Nolan Emery Gregory, 71, of Franklin, went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 13, 2012.

Born in Clayton, GA, he was the son of the late William Riley Gregory and Dealie Hedden Gregory. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Dorothy Morgan Gregory; great granddaughter, Sarai Taylor and an infant great grandchild. Nolan was a retired carpenter. He was a founding life-member of Cowee Volunteer Fire Department and lifelong member of Liberty Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He was a loving husband, father, neighbor and friend.

He is survived by three children, Ricky Gregory and wife, Mary, Rev. Randy Gregory, and Donna Seibert and husband Stacy Dills; three siblings, Bruce Gregory and wife Evelyn, Joyce Terry and husband Rod and Glenda Slagle and husband Bill; lifelong friend, John Allen and wife Betty five grandchildren, Heather Gregory, Christopher Seibert and wife Shannon, Daniel Gregory, Anna Taylor and husband Johnathan and Jeremy Gregory; great granddaughter, Tiana Gregory and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 16th in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Reverends, Rick Potts, Gary McCoy, Carson Gibson, Charles Stevens and Ron Owensby will officiate. Burial will be in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 15th at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Eric Young, Richard Young, Tim Chase, Jerry McConnell, Adam McConnell and Joe Allen. Members of Cowee Volunteer Fire Department and deacons of Liberty Baptist Church will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Memorial donations can be made to Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com