Greg made his transition peacefully during the evening of Sunday Feb 1st after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and caregivers during the last days of his life. Greg was warm, charming, and always optimistic. He was generous with his time and always willing to help friends or family. No matter the circumstances, he could lighten the atmosphere with a quip or just a look. Greg never let cancer define him.
Gregory Martin Smock was born in Independence, Missouri to Joseph and DeLoris Smock and remained a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area. He was the second of five children. As a teenager, Greg worked alongside his dad at the family service station, S & S Conoco, and learned to love tinkering with cars. His musical tastes were eclectic, running from country rock to blues and jazz while favoring rock & roll. The cabin at the lake was a haven to the entire family growing up. In recent years, Greg and his brother Jeff spent many weekends there fishing, skiing, and boating. He attended Raytown High School, graduating in 1973. He met Betty Peters, fell in love, and they married in 1981. They spent 20 years together. Greg worked in construction trades and sales most of his life. He was a master with ceramic tile, a skill that served him well – both as a hobby and for a livelihood. In 2011 when housing construction slowed, Greg began work at the Community Blood Center, where he was involved in mobile collections at area businesses, schools, and churches.
Greg was preceded in death by his father, Joe. He is survived by his mother, DeLoris Smock; four siblings and their spouses: Deb and Larry Parks, Jeff and Diane Smock, Susie and Tim Dolan, and Bruce and Vicki Smock; many nieces and nephews; and his favorite person, Betty Smock.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM Sat, Feb 7, at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 West 47th St., Kansas City, MO 64112. (816) 561-4466. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Gilda’s Club Kansas City or the American Cancer Society.
I met Greg 15 years ago, we were coworkers and I learned a lot from him. One thing Greg had was patience and a great work ethic. He was one heck of a person. I will miss him greatly!!! RIP Greg..
DeLoris and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Greg’s cancer battle and his passing. Your family always was a close one and even though your hearts are broken, you will have the support of each other to move along through this. Family is everything and Greg was very blessed to be so supported by all of you.
God be with and you all are in my prayers.
My sincere condolences to the family of Greg Smock . During the time that Greg worked at CBC , we spent a great deal of time together . I found Greg to be a great coworker and he became a good friend to me . He had the gift of making instant friends wherever we went . No doubt , we all will deeeply miss Greg . Hopefully we can peace in knowing that Greg will suffer no longer .
My prayers are with your family
Very nice what a wonderful tribute. Sending our prayers and hugs. Brad, Barb, Amanda and Hayden.