Ernest J. Gregg, Jr., of Oakland, Md., passed away peacefully at his home on July 28, 2023.
Ernie was the very definition of a people person. Outgoing, extroverted, gregarious and approachable, he lived his 87 years perfecting service to others.
Ernie was the first-born son of Ernest Theodore and Belinda (Sunday) Gregg on June 10, 1936, and he grew up in his beloved Masontown, Preston County, graduating from Masontown High School. He graduated from West Virginia University School of Pharmacy in 1958 and opened Gregg’s Pharmacy in Oakland, Md., in 1961, which he owned and operated until his retirement.
In addition to running his business, Ernie was a quintessential volunteer, devoting countless hours to numerous organizations throughout Garrett County, focusing on helping and serving people. He was the longest-serving county commissioner in the State of Maryland, serving 24 years between 1978 and 2010, including two years as chairman.
Left to remember Ernie is Teresa, his beloved wife of 25 years, who was steadfast by his side. A devoted and loving father to his children and blended family, Ernie leaves a tremendous legacy for his three children, son, Fred (Carol) and daughter, LuAnn Watson (Tim), all of Oakland, Md., and son, Patrick (Alyssa) of Morgantown, who he shared with his first wife, Carole L. Gregg.
Ernie was a doting and proud grandfather to Robbin Skipper (Steve), Nicholas Gregg (Ali), Tess Watson, Sylvia Watson and Stephen James “Jimmy” Gregg. He celebrated their many accomplishments and shared news of their adventures with anyone nearby and was grateful to be around his great-grandchildren, Britten and Eben Skipper and Claire, Evelyn and Gabrielle Gregg. He is also survived by three children from his marriage to Teresa: Mayjel Wildesen (Darrin), Samantha Davis (Joe) and Synjun Skeweris, as well as grandchildren Damin Wildesen, Porter Davis and Browning Skeweris.
Ernie will be missed by his loving extended family, including brother, Philip Gregg and wife Janet of Masontown, and sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Gregg of Terra Alta, and Lola Marie Gregg of Masontown; brother-in-law, Mike Evans and wife Cindy, Albuquerque, N.M.; sister-in-law, Lisa Smith and husband Ron, Ypsilanti, Mich.; and brother-in-law, Mel Evans and wife, Gwen, Oakland, Md.; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. A believer there is no excuse for bad manners, Ernie was truly one-of-a-kind.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, James and Theodore.
Arrangements will be handled by C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A. 21 North Second Street, Oakland. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Monday, July 31, from
3-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 208 South Fourth St., Oakland, on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 11 a.m., with interment immediately following in the Oakland Cemetery. Lunch for family and friends will then be held at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church Social Hall.
The family welcomes donations to Hospice of Garrett County, the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy or the West Virginia University Cancer Institute in lieu of flowers.
