Obituary
Gregory N Garcia

GREGORY N GARCIA July 23, 1943 – November 11, 2024 Greg passed peacefully into Heavenly rest at his home in Sanford, North Carolina following a long, hard battle with cancer with his family at his side. Greg was born on July 23, 1943 in Redondo Beach, California. He was the youngest child born into the military family of Lt Col Gregory Norton Garcia and Arcadia Garcia. He was the grandson of Gould Gregory Norton of the First United States Volunteer Cavalry who fought as one of Teddy Roosevelt’s “Roughriders” during the Spanish American War. After the war, Trooper Norton became a prominent citrus grower in Florida, Arizona and Cuba. Always the adventurer, Greg’s early life included roaming the Germany country side in the immediate aftermath of WW II. His vivid memories of those time were a living history lesson later in life. Greg would share stories while his father was stationed at the Pentagon of sledding down the hills of Arlington National Cemetery with his sister, and, always one for service, using his mother’s broom to sweep the leaves from the Lincoln Memorial. Not one for the structure of the classroom, he left school in the 10th grade and at age 17 he enlisted in the Air Force on the advice of his older brother Edward. Greg’s eight years of active service began with him as an Air Policeman with tours in Germany, Alaska, Florida and Montana. He later crosstrained into Education and Training. One of his favorite memories from his service was meeting up with his brother Michael in Thailand during the Vietnam War. His service to his country continued in civilian life. While posted at Keesler AFB, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary performing hundreds of hours of service to the community, rising to the rank of Flotilla Staff Officer and was a founding member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Greg had an overwhelming thirst for, and expansive knowledge. His desire for education and knowledge was a driving force in him securing his GED. That springboarded him to earning his Bachelor’s degree, two Master’s degrees (University of Massachusetts and University of Southern Mississippi) and culminated in a Doctorate from Montana State University. Greg also attended post-graduate training at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He used this education and experience as an Education Services Officer with the Air Force, ensuring that service members had access to quality educational opportunities. Following retirement after 30 years of civil service in the Department of Defense, Greg taught public administration, and political science at Tulane University and the University of Southern Mississippi. He moved on from teaching and became the Dean, Military Programs at Grantham University before transferring to a like position at Park University. While a recipient of multiple accolades, he was most proud of being honored with a Lifetime Service Award from worldwide adult educators and a special service award from the Community College of the Air Force. Greg would help anyone and was generous with his time leading Scouting troops and activities, teaching adult Sunday School, and being an active member of his community. He earned his private pilots license in Alaska, taught himself to sail in the waters of Tampa Bay, but his favorite activity was travelling in the camper with his grandchildren. He believed in spreading love, joy and kindness. His big smile and humorous personality will be so missed by many. Greg is predeceased by his parents, his older brother Edward and sister Miriam, He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marcia Hawbaker. His son Gregory Christian (Sarah Rogers), and four beautiful grandchildren: Katherine Arcadia Hinson (Anson Hinson), Marshall Christian Garcia, U.S. Navy, his youngest granddaughters, DeLaney Ella and Josephine Pauline. He also leaves behind his beloved brother Michael (Roberta) and many loving nieces and nephews. A special thank you to the nurses of Liberty Hospice. Memorial Services will be December 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Morris Chapel United Methodist Church in Sanford, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to your local charity of choice in Greg’s name in order to honor him.