Paul Percy Gregory, Sr., who most knew and loved as Lil Percy, Pete Pert, Pert, or Petey, departed this life on April14, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on November 14, 1942, in Chesapeake, Virginia, he was the son of the late Katie Griffin and Percy Gregory and the oldest of eight, a role he did not just hold in title, but lived out as protector, provider, and steady presence for his family.

Lil Percy was educated in Chesapeake Public Schools, attending Southeastern Elementary School and Crestwood High School. From an early age, responsibility found him, and he rose to meet it. Even though he might slide to the back of the bus if you asked for a bite of the two sandwiches or that red sausage he ate on the way to school everymorning, he still made sure everybody ate. When his parents were at work, he held down the house, cooking, keeping things in order, and taking care of his younger siblings. Known for his fried fish, pork and beans, and white potatoes, his buddies from Fentress knew that if Lil Percy was cooking, there was always a place for them. Growing up on Whittamore Road, he was already stepping into manhood while still a boy. In the backyard of his family home, he had hogs, chickens, and a bull, raising, preparing, and providing from his own hands. The fruit of his efforts was evident when he took that same hustle to Foundation Park, on Friday nights at the selling parties, where people would be lined up waiting to purchase his barbecue. He was not just selling food, he was building community and bringing people together.

Lil Percy believed in working, and he did it well. He mowed properties in Cape Charles, traveling across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge every Sunday and returning home on Fridays, before dedicating over 20 years of service to Davis Grain Corporation, where he remained until retirement. He stayed busy, always kept a beautiful garden, and carried himself with quiet pride.

He gave his life to Christ at an early age, and even in his final days, when told to hold on to God’s unchanging hand, he replied, “That’s the only one I know.” If you knew Lil Percy, you felt him, full of life, laughter, and unforgettable energy. A true jokester, always cutting up, giving people nicknames, imitating a horn like he was in the band, and saying something that would catch you off guard and leave you laughing. He loved to dance, never needing a dancefloor or a reason. Give him a little music and a little space, and he would light up the room.

Whether you saw him riding around in his burgundy and white Plymouth with push-button gears, his old Ford truck, or any of his other cars, they were always clean, not just for appearance, but out of pride and respect for what was his. That same pride showed up in everything he put his hands to, including his homemade wine, strawberry, peach, cherry, even dandelion, made right at home and shared just as freely. If you needed something, a ride, a favor, a plate, or a bottle, he had you. Whatever he had, he was willing to share. As he would say, “Get what you want… but don’t get too much.”

He was a people person through and through, always talking, laughing, checking on folks, and making sure everybody was good. He loved his westerns and lived life his own way, steady, simple, and real. His presence and the way he showed up left a mark that won’t fade.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy Gregory and Katie Griffin; his beloved wife, Golethia Gregory; his daughter, Priscilla Gregory; his great-grandson, Jevontae McFadden; and his brother, Lawrence Gregory.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Paul Percy Gregory, Jr., and Dione Wilkins; his grandchildren, Chyennesia Gregory, Jasmine Gregory, and Donte Freeman; his great-grandchildren, Donavon Joyce Jr., Ja’Cion Watson, Dkari Gregory, Damani Watson, Deonya Sunday Williams, Jaliah Priscilla Gregory, and Zaila Elliot; his siblings, Regina Ferrell, Bobby Gregory (Lucille), Audrey Gregory, Brenda Whitaker (Leroy), Bennitta Brown (Elwood), and Chyennesia Griffin; his beloved sister-in-law, Connie Grandy, more like a daughter to him, whom he faithfully cared for and loved as one of his own; his aunt, Lille Anne Gregory; his uncle, Marvin Foreman; his dear friend, Nick Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Lil Percy. Pete Pert. Pert. Petey.

If you ever laughed with him, sat at his table, or saw him hit the dance floor, then you already know, he will never be forgotten.