Gregory Allen Lane

Greg Lane of Paragould, Arkansas, finished his two year fight with ALS on Thursday, February 27, 2014. He leaves behind his trusty fighting partner, his high school sweetheart, and his wife of 43 years, Nita. He was an amazing, loving, and wise father to Dan (Brenda) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Jennifer of Round Rock, TX; proud grandpa of Gerrit and Quinn, and a brother to Kevin of Montrose, MI. He had just turned 63 on his birthday on January 13th. While Greg lost the ability to speak over a year ago, he quickly adapted with his ever-present notepad and pen or iPad. Visitors quickly learned that the sound of the chime coming from his iPad meant that he had something to say and, boy, was it time to listen. Prior to moving to Paragould in 2006, Greg was born and raised in Flint, Michigan where he worked for General Motors and retired from his 30 year career in 2003. He and Nita moved briefly to Arizona City, Arizona, to escape Michigan winters but then settled in Paragould where Nita was born. Greg started his retired career working for Stadium Auto Body and assisting Nita in caring for the neighborhood kids, Reed, Finley, and Aubrey. He loved them as though they were his own grandkids. Greg would say, “we really like it here in Paragould, the people are fantastic, I repair all the kids’ bikes and let some of the neighbors dogs out to pee.” He loved “porching” which is visiting with anyone who come over to sit on the porch to talk about politics, cars, theology, and how to make the grass grow greener. Greg also loved to teach “the bible as it is to men as they are” and when he was losing his ability to speak he started his beloved blog “Through the Eyes of This Calvinist ”. It gave him a voice and a way to carry on with his passion when he wasn’t watching Fox News, Duck Dynasty or listening to Rush Limbaugh. Greg’s family is especially grateful to all the people who helped them, especially the Grace Baptist family and Pastor James, friends and neighbors, Joey Fleszar and Chris Lawless and their families, Rachel Hall and family, Dr. Hendrix, Hospice nurse, Barbara, and so many others who encouraged and supported them. Funeral services to celebrate Greg’s life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 1st at Grace Baptist Church in Paragould. Friends may come and visit from 9:30am until time of the time of the service, with burial following at Greene County Memorial Gardens. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the ALS Association at www.alsa.org. Sign online registry at www.heathfuneralhome.com.