Gregory Lawrence Hall

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - Gregory Lawrence Hall of New Brunswick, NJ passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Gregory was born in Memphis, Tennessee, June 4, 1953 to Spencer Wesley Hall Sr. and Obedella Ceretha Grandberry-hall, and was the seventh of eight children. He is pre-deceased by his parents, sister Floydgene Howell, and three brothers Harold “Skip” Hall, Spencer “Mane” Hall, and Joey Allen Hall.

Gregory graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and attended Lemoyne-owen College in Memphis, Tennessee. He received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration and Journalism from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. In 1977, he was the captain of the Lincoln University baseball team and was an All American NCAA Base Stealing champion, leading the nation in stolen bases. After graduating, Gregory began his corporate career in Sales and Sales Management with State Farm Insurance, NCR Corporation, Standard Brands, and Johnson and Johnson (J&J).

In 1983, he relocated to New Jersey working with J&J. In 1987, he began his career working with the City of New Brunswick holding several positions: Assistant to Mayors Lynch and Cahill, Chairman Rent Leveling and Control Board, Affirmative Action Officer, and Community Relations Director. From 1992-1996 he was the Legislative Aide to Assemblyman Gerald Green in Trenton, NJ. While in Trenton, he became a certified substitute teacher in Mercer and Middlesex counties. Gregory also coordinated several successful Get Out The Vote (GOTV) campaigns from 2009-2013.

Gregory loved creating and starting businesses. As a third generation entrepreneur, he started The Fruit and Vegetable Factory, Hair Castle Beauty Salons in New Brunswick, Franklin, and Somerville, NJ, Memphis Venture Group, State Street Public Affairs Group, Hub City Baseball Youth Programs, and Shine of the Times. Gregory also received numerous collegiate and community service awards.

Gregory left a lasting impact on many young men through his passion for baseball. He coached at the high school level in Hightstown, New Brunswick, and Franklin. He and his wife created Hub City Baseball in 2004, recruiting young local and inner-city players who loved baseball. He conducted various skills and drills clinics, and trained players at several local baseball academies. He coached American Legion teams and was a certified umpire. His motto was “It’s baseball we’re playing, but life skills we’re teaching.”

In addition to his passion for baseball, Gregory loved history and was an avid reader and writer. He enjoyed traveling and exploring new things, biking, and spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed his annual trips to Martha’s Vineyard.

Gregory treasured his friendships and made friends everywhere he went. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Crystal Hall; his children Wendell Johnson (Keshia) of TN, Ceretha Hall of NJ, Lauren Hall of NJ, Nyle Skinner (Jillian) of FL, Brandon Pringle of NJ, and Jasmin Pringle of NJ; his sisters Gail Hall and Love Williams, brother Leon Hall; a sister in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, one great-grandson, many close friends, and associates.

Due to the current national health conditions with COVID 19 and the family’s concern for others, there will be a private service at Buckland Funeral Home 10 West End Ave, Somerville, NJ 08876.

For more information go to https://www.bucklandfuneralhome.com/obituary/gregory-hall