Gregory Sterling Annas, 77, of Granite Falls, departed this life on Wednesday December 18, 2024, at Catawba Valley Medical Center following a brief illness.

Greg was born on October 29, 1947, in Caldwell County, to the late Carson H. Annas and Dorothy Barlow Annas. He worked with his father in his masonry company in Melbourne, FL until he entered the United States Marine Corps. in August of 1967 where he was a radio operator and served in the Vietnam War during the Tet Offensive. Afterwards, he completed the Mortuary Science program at Miami Dade College in Miami, FL and began a 43-year career in Funeral Service helping families in the Catawba/Burke/Caldwell Counties, during life’s most difficult time. Greg worked at Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory, and later retired as manager of Bass-Smith Granite. Greg’s sense of compassion and care toward people, and his sense of humor, were second to none.

Greg, like his father, carried the tradition of playing “Santa Claus” bringing joy and excitement to children of all ages during the Holidays, especially at Oak Grove Baptist Church.

He was a member of the Hickory Masonic Lodge #343, was a 32nd degree Master Mason, a member of the Oasis Temple, and was a member of the Catawba County Shrine Club. After retirement, Greg volunteered at the Hickory VA Clinic, donating many hours supporting Veterans who needed medical attention, and was also a member of the Lenoir Marine Corps. League.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers-in-law, Charles Allen Myers, James Kerr, and Robin Keller.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Judy Myers Annas of the home; his daughter, Cherise Annas Gallagher and husband Tim of Morganton; his grandsons, Thomas Braxton Whisenant and Colin Michael Gallagher both of Morganton; one sister, Cheryl Annas LaCombe of Morganton; two brothers-in-law, Terry Myers (Twyla) of Granite Falls and Dale Myers (Stacie) of Granite Falls; and sisters-in-law, Brenda Myers Keller, Jennifer Myers Kerr, and Roxanne Myers; his nieces and nephew, Jennifer Posiack Smart (Bill),Christie Sills(Travis), Hannah Myers Barlowe (David), Megan Myers Burleson (Ryan), Jordan Myers (Iris), and Kaitlyn Kerr; also surviving are four great nieces and two great nephews.

A Service to Celebrate the life of Gregory Annas will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday January 11, 2025, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Granite Falls, with Rev. Dan Greene officiating. Interment will be at the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, with Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps. and the Caldwell County Honor Guard; and Masonic Rites by Hickory Masonic Lodge #343.

The family will receive friends Saturday January 11, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 4950 Oak Grove Church Rd. Granite Falls, NC 28630.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 950 West Faris Rd. Greenville, SC 29605.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com.

Mackie Funeral Service & Cremations of Granite Falls is serving the Annas family.