Raye Austin Gregory, 72, long-time Montgomery resident, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died at home Wednesday, December 9, following an illness.

She was born in Troy to the late Frances Foley and John Burton Austin and raised in Montgomery where she graduated from Sidney Lanier High School. She later earned an English degree from the University of Alabama, which sparked a lifelong love of reading and correcting the grammar of others. For 30 years Raye managed the office of her father's business, Burton Woodworks, yet found her true calling most recently as a grandmother.

Survivors include her husband of 42 years, William Russell "Rusty" Gregory; a daughter, Patricia Gregory Alias and husband, Shaler; two granddaughters, Hendee Hayes and Francie Alias, and two loving sisters, Patricia Austin Jackson and husband, Raymond and Mary Frances Austin Bond and husband, Jeff.

She was a proud member of the 20th Century Club, the Montgomery Garden Club, and the Alabama Ornithological Society. She loved bridge and "birding" and watching Alabama basketball, especially from the stands. She could often be found in an oversized t-shirt, watching terrible reality television shows while snuggled up next to the love of her life, Rusty. Her many friends across the region will miss Raye's soft, infectious laugh and incredibly generous spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montgomery County Historical Society, 512 South Court St., Montgomery AL, 36104, the Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta GA, 30309, or your favorite charity.

A family graveside service is set for Monday, December 14th at 11:00 am at Greenwood Cemetery.

Published in Montgomery Advertiser from December 13thh and 14th, 2020.