- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Floor speeches
- Chamber: House
- Date: May 21, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
HON. JOE WILSON
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to cherish Chairman Greg Shorey, an historic patriot in South Carolina as the first modern Republican State Party Chairman. His competence, integrity, and vision were crucial beginning in 1958, when no elected officials in South Carolina were Republican throughout the Twentieth Century; to 2026, when all statewide officials in South Carolina are Republicans and massive majorities in local offices and the General Assembly. He is an inspiration. I include in the Record the following obituary, which has been provided by Mackey Funerals of Greenville:
Gregory Day Shorey, Jr.
It is with profound sorrow and deep respect that we
announce the passing of Gregory Day Shorey Jr., a beloved
father, grandfather, great-grandfather, esteemed businessman,
and devoted community leader. Greg departed this world
peacefully on May 18, 2026, at the age of 101. Born on June
27, 1924, in Belmont, Massachusetts, he embodied a century of
wisdom, love, and service.
Greg was a man who lived his life with unwavering
dedication and compassion. He proudly served his country in
the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1945, and
later in the Navy Reserve until 1947. Following his military
service, he pursued higher education and graduated from the
Boston University School of Public Relations in 1948. Armed
with both knowledge and determination, he ventured into the
business world, founding Style Crafters Inc. in 1951. This
company, renowned for its marine safety and water sports
equipment under the brand Aqua Float, became a testament to
his entrepreneurial spirit. After selling the company in
1969, Greg established Shorey and Associates Marketing and
Communications, passing the torch to his son, Gregory Day
Shorey III, upon his retirement in 1990.
Greg's commitment to his community was evident through his
active participation in the South Carolina Republican Party,
where he served as Party Chairman from 1958 to 1961. His
leadership extended to national platforms as a delegate to
the Republican National Convention in 1956 and 1964. Greg's
passion for public service saw him appointed to the South
Carolina Dairy Commission and the Beaufort County Board of
Elections, among numerous advisory roles.
Beyond his professional and civic engagements, Greg was a
devoted family man. He was predeceased by his cherished
wives, Betty Young Shorey, with whom he shared 66 beautiful
years raising four children, and Jill Irvine, his loving
partner of 8 years. He also faced the heartache of losing his
daughter, Pamela Shorey Jahns, and grandson, Justin Tyler
Millwood. Yet, the legacy of love continues through his
surviving children, Gregory Day Shorey III (Patty), Cynthia
Shorey White (Steve), and Amy Shorey Grace. His spirit lives
on in his grandchildren, Leia Jahns Herring, Jeffery D.
White, Taylor D. Shorey, Michael G. White, and seven great-
grandchildren who brought him endless joy.
An avid golfer, Greg enjoyed the fairways well into his
late 90s, and he found peace boating on Lake Adger, NC, and
off the coast of Beaufort, SC. These pursuits reflected his
zest for life and his appreciation for the simple pleasures.
In honoring Greg's wishes, a private funeral ceremony will
be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests
donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a cause
dear to Greg's heart.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the
compassionate staff at Patriot Hospice and Palliative Care,
Angel Heart Caregivers Services, and Linville Court at The
Cascades for their unwavering support and care.
Greg Shorey Jr.'s life was a tapestry of love, service, and
integrity. His legacy will continue to inspire all who had
the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, forever
cherished and remembered.