Gregory Jay Washam was born April 23, 1956 to Kenneth and Majorie Washam in Springfield, MO. He passed away at St. John's Hospital in Springfield during the evening of August 27, 2011. Gregory graduated from Parkview High School in 1974 and attended classes at Southwest Missouri State University. At the age of 16, he started working at The Student Book Exchange, a family-owned college book store that was started by his father. Later as a general manager, he fostered a team of employees that acted more like a family. He insisted on celebrating all birthdays with delicious potlucks. As one employee put it, "With Gregory in charge, we didn't just go to work; we went to see our family and friends." Outside of work, Gregory enjoyed reading and loved to travel. He was an avid Santa collector and loved to browse gift shops. One of his favorite pastimes was playing with his cat of 19 years, Oprah, and his new kitty, Sabrina. Gregory was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Washam, his sister, Nancy Washam Byers, and his brother, Stephen Washam. He is survived by his partner of 26 years, Robert Morales; mother, Marjorie Washam; sister, Cathy Yates and her husband Charles. He will be deeply missed by his devoted friend Bill Busby; niece, Stacey Thompson and her husband, Wyatt; nephew, David Yates and his wife, Stacey and their two children, Jacob and Emylia; nephew, Spencer Washam; aunt, Virginia Sue and uncle, Jim Harper; cousins, Susan Alligood and Deanna Hines; all of his friends at The Student Book Exchange; as well as his extended family and friends. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31st from 7 pm to 8:30 pm under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 1st at 1:00 pm at Robberson Prairie Cemetery.