William Francis "Bill" Gregory

William Gregory ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Anderson Family Funeral Home - Arco on Mar. 16, 2026.William Francis "Bill" Gregory went to heaven on March 11, 2026, in Arco, Idaho, surrounded by the love of his family as he joined many of his loved ones who passedbefore him.Bill was born May 15, 1942, in Santa Maria, California, to Irving Gregory and Virginia Bettiga Gregory. He attended King City High School in Arroyo Seco, California. From a very young age, Bill dreamed of becoming a truck driver. As a little boy, his father would let him sit on his lap and steer the big trucks, sparking a dream that would stay with himhis entire life. Bill made that dream a reality and spent over 40 years proudly driving long-haul trucks.In 1959, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country for three years. During his service, he was stationed in Hawaii aboard an aircraft carrier with theWestern Pacific Seventh Fleet.In 1967, Bill met a beautiful waitress named Nancy. Later that same year, they were married in a small chapel in Carson City, Nevada. Bill often reminisced about how beautiful Nancy was and would say nearly every man in town had their eye on her. He never quite knew how he was the lucky one she chose, but he cherished that blessingfor the rest of his life. Together they raised a family that included Nancy's children, Kandace Annette Gilliam and Gary Vincent Gilliam. In 1969 they welcomed a daughter, Tracy Marie Gregory. The family lived in Salinas, California. In 1977, Bill's job required a transfer to Minnesota. They eventually settled in Albert Lea, Minnesota in 1980. That same year, Bill and Nancy welcomed another daughter, Lacy ReNelle Gregory. Bill and Nancy later divorced in 1984 In 1985, Bill met his second wife, Gloria. Though they shared many years together, they later divorced.Family quickly became the center of Bill's life. His daughter Tracy married Keith McQuilliams at Lake Tahoe, Nevada, leading to a move to Mackay, Idaho in 1987 towork at a family lumber mill. In 2009, Bill realized that his daughter and grandchildren were where his heart truly belonged. Wanting to be surrounded by family, he made his way back to be close to them. That same year, in July, while out, he asked a beautiful woman sitting across the table for a dance. That beautiful woman was Lois. That one dance sparked a love story that lasted ten wonderful years, filled with adventures, laughter, and treasured memories until Lois' passing in 2019.Bill lived life with a kind heart and never met a stranger, making new friends everywhere he went. He was one of the most genuine men you would ever meet. He loved sports-truly loved them. He was the biggest San Francisco 49ers fan anyone could imagine and firmly believed that Steve Young was almost a god. "Go Niners!" was a phrase often heard around him. He also loved the San Francisco Giants. NASCAR races on Sunday was his church and how he worshipped. Dale Earnhardt was his idol.But more than anything, Bill loved being with his family. His favorite thing was spending time with his daughter Lacy, her husband Sam, and their kids. He and Sam could talk sports for hours and listening to them debate teams and players was always entertaining. Still, the moments he treasured most were simply being with his girls. Thelove he gave his grandchildren will carry on forever. Even on the hardest days, a conversation with dad could make everything better. He always knew how to remind hisdaughter how proud he was of her and how much he loved her. Bill was always known for his charm and sense of humor. Whenever Bill would visit the clinic, the nurses would come out just to give him a hug and ask if he had picked up any chicks today. He would turn on the charm and tell them they were the prettiest nurses he had ever seen. The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to those nurses and providers at Lost Rivers Medical Center for the love and care they gave Daddy. He was always treated like a king, and that kindness meant the world to his family.Bill was preceded in death by his parents; A daughter Tracy McQuilliams, his brother Louis Gregory; his stepbrothers Bobby Olgiati and P.A. Olgiati; and his belovedcompanion Lois. He is survived by his sister, Diana Gregory who he lovingly called "Bug"; his daughter Lacy Thorngren; stepdaughter Kandace Gilliam; stepson Gary Gilliam; fifteen grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren who will carry his love and memories forward.Bill was a man who lived life so genuine and full that it's nearly impossible to put all that love into just a few paragraphs. He will be remembered for his charisma, quick wit, stubbornness, amazing hugs and unconditional love and support he gave his family and friends. To know him was truly to love him. He was pretty far out!A celebration of Bill's life will be held and announced at a later date. Cremation services were provided by the Anderson Family Funeral Home.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.