Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-21

CHERISHING CHAIRMAN GREG SHOREY

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Context

On 2026-05-21, Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC-2) delivered a floor speech titled "CHERISHING CHAIRMAN GREG SHOREY" in the House.

Full Text

CHERISHING CHAIRMAN GREG SHOREY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E483-E484] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CHERISHING CHAIRMAN GREG SHOREY ______ HON. JOE WILSON of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, May 21, 2026 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. [[Page E484]] 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. ____________________

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CHERISHING CHAIRMAN GREG SHOREY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E483-E484] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CHERISHING CHAIRMAN GREG SHOREY ______ HON. JOE WILSON of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, May 21, 2026 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. [[Page E484]] 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. ____________________