Happy “Hap” Gregg, Jr. of Auburn passed away on January 7, 2021.
Hap was born on December 14, 1960, the son of Helen Gholston and the late Happy Gregg, Sr. He began life in the care of the doctors and staff of East Alabama Medical Center, and it was the staff of EAMC who compassionately cared for him as he departed this world for his final home.
Hap leaves behind his beloved wife, Molly, and his greatest treasures, his three sons: Trey (Madison), Matt (Morgan), and Lee; and his cherished grandchildren, Teddy Grace and Wyatt. “Big Pop” found tremendous joy in being a grandparent. Since baby Wyatt was born during Hap’s hospitalization, the two shared time at EAMC. Hap also leaves behind beloved brothers, Mark (Ginger), Joel (Missy), Van Gholston (Carolyn), and Skipper Gholston (Kathy).
Personally and professionally, Hap was deeply committed to his community. He served for 23 years as a respected officer in the Auburn Police Department. After retiring from law enforcement, Hap became a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway in Auburn.
An outgoing and personable man, Hap seemed to know everyone in the community, and he quickly engaged in conversation wherever he went, with many old friends to greet and new friends to meet. Over the years, Hap served as a coach and volunteer supporter of his three sons’ sports teams. He was also enthusiastic about his role as a volunteer advisor to the Lee County 4-H Shooting Sports Team, a responsibility which he found very rewarding. He enjoyed cooking, and those who sat at his table appreciated both the quality and quantity of the meals that Hap prepared.
Having grown up roaming Alabama fields and forests, Hap remained a lifelong lover of nature and the outdoors. The deer and birds on his land were always well fed, and he took great pleasure in giving his family the latest reports on the hummingbirds that would visit their back porch.
He will be greatly missed.
On Monday, January 11, a Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. in Garden Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations be made in Hap’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation honoring military and first responders https://tunnel2towers.org/ .