Grege Nickalson Early

After a long and fulfilling life, Grege N. Early left his earthly home on June 19th. He fought a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia with the support of his devoted family. He enjoyed his last day surrounded by his children, nieces and grand nieces. He crossed over to his heavenly home with his wife and daughters beside him, singing his favorite hymns.

Born to Robert D. Early and Gertrude Mitchell (Varner), Grege was raised by his maternal grandparents, Willie W. Mitchell and Della Mae Woolridge Mitchell. Grege is survived by his wife Carolyn; his four children, Matthew (Julie Early), Cynthia (Tim Weaver), Dr. Jennifer Early, and James (Elizabeth Chassey); his granddaughters, Casey and Abigail; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Jimmie Early (Peggy); and his sister Trina Reid (Kirk).

After graduating from Prince Edward Academy in 1968, he attended the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company’s Apprentice School, graduating as an electrical designer in 1974.

Grege and Carolyn were married on March 15, 1970. God blessed them with a church family at Grace Baptist Church in Newport News where an amazing pastor, George C. Law, led Grege to the Lord after a tent revival. His pride was shattered that night. He got down on his knees and sought Jesus’s forgiveness, and he knew the Lord had forgiven him.

Upon returning to Farmville, Grege and Carolyn made their home with his grandmother for two years, and then moved to Meherrin next door to his in-laws, Carroll and Alvia Bruce, who adored him. He helped break ground for the new fundamental independent Keysville Baptist Temple and served as the church treasurer and a reluctant song leader. He led many of his family members to the Lord over the years.

He worked as a mechanic at East End Motor Company, an assistant manager at NAPA, and then as a sewing machine mechanic at Amelia Dress Factory.

He will be remembered as “the computer guy.” After taking a BASIC programming course at Southside Virginia Community College, he was one of only three students who could successfully program. He soon bought a Commodore 64 computer, allowing him to develop an inventory system for pieced goods at Amelia Dress. This innovation impressed the plant owner so much that he sent Grege to Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta to purchase a computer system for the factory.

Grege devoted his life to technology, education, and service. He brought his talents to Key Office Supply in Farmville where he designed and maintained computer networks and systems for local businesses. He later launched his own business, CompSys, which provided services to government offices, real estate agencies, accounting companies, law firms, and family homes in the area. Southside Virginia Community College hired him to teach MS-DOS and C++ evening classes to the community. He worked in Prince Edward and Lunenburg County Public Schools to build and maintain computer networks - and supported all things technology. From 2000 to 2005, he taught A+ Certification classes at Central High School, introducing students to careers in IT. Though he retired in 2020, his legacy of dedication, service, and education continues in the many he taught, trained, and supported throughout his life.

The family will receive friends and family at Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, on Tuesday, June 24, from 6-7:30 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, June 25, at 11 a.m. at Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond, 4600 Cox Rd #130, Glen Allen, VA, 23060. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.