J.O. "Buster" Gregory, Jr.

Julian Otto “Buster” Gregory, Jr. (83), of Covington, Georgia went to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Buster was born December, 21, 1939 in Collins, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian Otto Gregory and Edith Gregory of Seaville, Georgia; his wife, Marilyn; and son, Jeb. Buster is survived by: his son Joel and daughter-in-law Laurel; sisters Gail Byars, Patsy Upshaw, Jane Shell; granddaughter, Riley Ann; girlfriend Linda DeHaven and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Buster received a B.A. from Louisiana State University and served in the US Navy as a Pilot. He spent his entire professional career with Delta Airlines as an Airline Pilot and retired as a Captain. Buster helped Joel with his beer distribution business for several years after he retired where he helped as a delivery person and unofficial salesperson.

Buster was a well-respected pillar of his community and an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He was instrumental in helping start and run the church’s Food Pantry Ministry for several years.

Buster loved: spending time with his friends and family; traveling, walking and exploring; UGA football; dining out at his favorite restaurants; reading the newspaper (for hours); sitting on the porch with a glass of wine or a good cup of coffee while enjoying the view; dancing; attending classes at his local YMCA; running errands; hunting down the lowest gasoline prices; doing random math calculations that may or may not have been helpful for much; record keeping and making entries in his daily calendar; playing poker with friends; he also loved telling stories about his Navy adventures and shenanigans with his cousin Jerry.

Arrangements are as follows: a 2:00pm Graveside Service at Southview Cemetery in Covington, Georgia, on Tuesday, January 10th , 2023, followed by a Receiving Friends Reception in the Fellowship Hall at the Covington First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to either the Food Pantry Ministry at the Covington First United Methodist Church (due to Buster’s previous involvement), 1113 Conyers Street SW, Covington, Georgia 30014, or to the Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia (due to Joel serving on the board and mission which includes Newton County), PO Box 49309, Athens, Georgia 30604.

This obituary was crafted with love and affection by Buster's family.