On February 6, 2025, Gregory Lee Springs was 75 years old when he died, transitioning to eternal life with Jesus. He was born 9-29-49, that's why 9 was his favorite number. Born in Anacortes to Ned and Irene (Wagar) Springs, he was the second of four children. His siblings and their spouses are: Randy (Alice), Jeff (Marilyn) both deceased, and Nancy (Jim) Loftis.

Gregory attended school in Anacortes and played basketball and baseball. He graduated in 1967. He then attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK where he earned his BA in Education in 1972. Gregory won the Most Valuable Player Sports Award for Soccer in 1971.  In 1976, he received his MA in Education from WWU as a Reading Specialist.

He met his future wife, Carol Norton, at ORU and they married in 1971. Gregory and Carol were married for 53 years at the time of his death. They learned to sustain lasting love for each other. Gregory and Carol had four children: Tobin (Tammie), Peter (Lisa), Laura (Eric) Forbes, Asher (Kristen) and eleven grandchildren.

Gregory taught elementary school in Anacortes for 30 years; 20 years as a classroom teacher and 10 years as a Reading Specialist. He then taught 10 years at Bellingham Christian School after retiring from the Anacortes School District. He also coached boys' basketball and the chess club.

Gregory enjoyed life and was physically active. He played basketball three days a week before work. He loved to hike and accompanied his sons, Asher and Peter, finishing the last 50 miles of their hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. He also commercial fished in SE Alaska. He loved to travel, explore maps, find interesting quotations, kayaking, and chocolate. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. He was a kind and patient person who was quick to forgive and rarely spoke a critical word of anyone. He came to faith in Jesus as a young child and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in high school. He lived his faith, loving God and other people.

Gregory's memorial service will be held at Living Rock Foursquare Church in Anacortes on Friday, February 21 @ 2:00pm. Reception following. Memorial gifts can be given to the American Bible Society or Skagit Land Trust.