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‘He was the heart of every room he entered’
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‘He was the heart of every room he entered’

The veteran anchor died of Stage 4 lung cancer after being diagnosed in April

Donna Gregory/Facebook Donna GregoryDonna Gregory/Facebook Donna Gregory

Donna Gregory/Facebook

Donna Gregory

Veteran North Carolina journalist Donna Gregory died in April after she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. WWAY 3 It was announced on Wednesday, November 20.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the loss of our beloved veteran news anchor Donna Gregory,” the channel’s statement said. The outlet said he was “surrounded by loved ones” when he died the day before.

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Gregory shared his cancer journey with the audience. In April he published:a special messageHe told WWAY 3 he learned of his cancer diagnosis after receiving a biopsy “after months of trying to determine what was causing the recurring cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and weight loss.”

Donna Gregory/Facebook Donna GregoryDonna Gregory/Facebook Donna Gregory

Donna Gregory/Facebook

Donna Gregory

“I will be off the air for a while to undergo the treatment protocol established by the doctors. My plan is to become stronger and healthier every day, and prayers always help,” he wrote, thanking “angels disguised as friends” and his family, while adding, “There is a breeze of beauty in all of this.” he added.

Gregory “faced her illness with grace and determination, continuing immunotherapy and chemotherapy while remaining a beacon of hope and inspiration,” WWAY 3 said in a statement Wednesday.

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Throughout his decades-long career, he mentored aspiring journalists and was a friend of many in the newsroom. He joined WWAY 3 in 2019 to temporarily fill in for host Randy Aldridge, who was diagnosed with cancer. His position was later made permanent.

“His death leaves a void that words alone cannot fill,” WWAY 3 wrote, noting that a tribute to his legacy will be made at a later date.

Donna Gregory/Facebook Donna GregoryDonna Gregory/Facebook Donna Gregory

Donna Gregory/Facebook

Donna Gregory

“For now, we mourn her loss and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and everyone whose lives she touched. Donna Gregory will be greatly missed,” WWAY 3 concluded.

Gregory’s children acknowledged that society may have known him through his reporting, but wrote that “to his children he was much more than the accomplishments listed in his career.” Facebook mail

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“He was the heart of every room he entered, always making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. “He could create a meal from anything he found in the fridge, turning ordinary moments into something special.”

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Gregory’s children remembered their mother’s favorite qualities; for example, “Her loud whistle at sporting events rivals any cheerleader” and “she has somehow become adept at folding fitted sheets.”

Her loved ones highlighted her “unwavering positivity”, adding: “We always knew we could count on her to give up anything for us, answer any question, and ground us in her strong faith and deep love for Jesus.”

He is survived by his children, Sam, Callan, Avery and Everett, and grandchildren, Hayes and Coley; daughter-in-law Amanda and son-in-law Shane.