Gregory T. Zielinski

July 24, 2014

OBITUARY CLAXTON: Retired Sergeant 1st Class Gregory T. Zielinski, 74, died Thursday evening, July 24, 2014 under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice. Born May 11, 1940 in Chicago, IL to John and Mary Zielinski, he joined the U.S. Army in 1957. During his years of military service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (5 campaigns), Expert (Rifle), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), and Civil Actions Honors medal. While stationed at Ft. Stewart, he met the love of his life and her children. After 6 weeks of courtship that included many dates with a certain handsome redheaded little boy, he married Mary Jane Brannen on November 1, 1969. They lived in Glennville for many years, were stationed in Germany where they welcomed a baby girl, and then moved to Claxton in 1980. Always being a diligent provider, he worked 20 years civil service at Ft. Stewart following his military retirement. He is preceded in death by his bride of nearly 21 years, Mary Jane Zielinski. Following her death, he returned to his first love and began collecting and selling military surplus and memorabilia. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, watching old Westerns, and reading books by his favorite author, Louis L’Amour. During his life, he was a member and past master of the Ezel Masonic Lodge 335. While living in Claxton, he attended the both the Claxton First United Methodist Church, where he was a member as well as St. Christopher’s Catholic Church. ​SURVIORS: He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Jamie Thompson of Glennville; his step-son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Patti Rogers of Claxton; step-son Steve Altman of Wilmington Island; step-son Lindsay Altman of Eastman; and step-daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Vernon Dasher of Glennville; grandchildren: Brooke and Zach Thompson, Jesse and Jonah Rogers, Corey and Justin Altman, Jeanie Dasher Thompson, and Jacob Dasher; brother, Robert Zielinski of Chicago, IL. ​VISITATION: Sunday, July 27, 2014, 1-2:00 p.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home. FUNERAL: Sunday, July 27, 2014, 2:00 p.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel. BURIAL: Brewton Cemetery, Hagan, GA. REMEMBRANCE: Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo St., Statesboro, Ga., 30458; or Brewton Cemetery, P. O. Box 958, Claxton, Ga., 30417. ​ Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements “Our Family Serving Your Family” “Since 1917” (912) 739-3338 www.nesmithfuneralhome.com