Gregory Bacot
1961 - 2026
The Infection
Most doctors will say that infections are bad and should be avoided or eradicated as soon as possible. But the infection we all experienced from having known Greg Bacot is different. From the first time you meet him you are infected. His humor, charisma, personality, humanity, and caring and loving affection for people is truly infectious and not something to be eradicated or avoided.
Here are just a few ways Greg Bacot infected people:
- Many students at Pembroke State University were able to achieve a college education due to the Scholarship endowed to the university in memory of his parents. Most of these students never met Greg but were truly infected in absentia. Greg’s parents obviously raised a wonderfully benevolent human being.
- There was a young mother from Lexington whose husband passed away and Greg stepped in to provide Christmas gifts and toys for her children to help brighten their holiday. They did not know Greg but benefited from his generosity.
- When a server at IHOP received a tip that appeared to have too many digits, the manager had to come to the table and verify to make sure it was correct. There would be many more tips like this one.
- The patients at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Hospital were blessed with more than 1,000 volunteer Greg provided a warm blanket, a drink or snack, delivered medicines or asked if they needed anything to help their treatment. He told them stories. More about that later.
- The nurses on 3rd floor Atrium Cancer Center were also blessed with his volunteer hours. Sabrina, Kim, Lori and at least 25 other nurses and hospital personnel endeared themselves to They really did not care if he came to work. They just wanted him to sit and talk with them, tell them a joke, or tell them a story to entertain them. And believe me, some of those stories weren’t true but no one seemed to care. Many of the nurses are here today. You can spot them easily because Greg asked them to wear hooker high heels. Let’s give them a round of applause for their dedication.
- The colorful and humorous costumes he wore were designed to entertain and make everyone There were two Santa costumes and a jester costume that was a gift from Kathy. One of the Santa costumes was inflatable. Remember I said Santa so don’t get the wrong idea. The nurses invited Greg to their Christmas party and he snuck into a bathroom and put it on to surprise them. They all had to have photos taken with inflatable Santa.
- Over 100 families were blessed with a puppy, parrot, or chicken Greg raised. Those animals truly made their lives complete – human’s best friends. Many of them came back to get another puppy from Greg because they trusted him. He gave away many puppies to friends and family – Melinda and Ricky, Tracy and EV and Amanda and Brian and their daughter Brook, Kathy, Dawn, and many more.
- And really, who tries to correct the vocabulary of 70 year old senior citizens? His High School English Teacher would be proud.
- The close cousins – Karen, Nan, Robbie, Dawn and many friends from Lumberton – who diligently came to visit him were He wanted to make sure their visit was special even when he didn’t feel very well. He usually had flowers and arranged for food to be available. Remember Greg didn’t cook. But sometimes he coerced a want-to-be chef to cook something – usually me.
- All of the friends and neighbors too numerous to name were infected. They came to visit often to spend time with Greg, talk about events, brought food, reminisce about growing up together, laugh, share a meal, and all the rest. His neighbors and friends were there for him and willing to help as He treated everyone like family. There were no strangers. Remember infections know no strangers.
- And finally, who wishes for everyone to have enduring friends and family in his absence? Greg Bacot does.
All those doctors who say that infections are bad must not have known Greg Bacot – we aren’t talking about you Robert – because the Greg Bacot infection will not be eradicated or forgotten any time soon. We all will remember the times we spent with him and how he made our lives better. It is a shame we don’t have another 64 years to continue to receive this infection with no cure.
I was his go to person when he needed things done around the house. I have mowed for Greg for over 15 years. He was always cracking a jokes. He would call me for little things like watching TV while a couple windows were being put in. Feeding his children when he couldn’t get there. I thank God for bringing Greg into my life. You are gone but you will never be forgotten.
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When I think of Greg Bacot I remember the many beautiful roses he sent over the years, the evergreen trees which are growing strong at the head of my driveway, his laughter and joking, his love for dogs and birds, many meals and fellowship shared with friends, simpler times eating a hot dog or donut together. Great next door neighbor and friend. Will miss you.
Dear Brother Greg – You have been our brother since the day we realized you and Mark were bonded approx. 41 years ago. We have treated you as brother all these years.. It took a long time for you to really feel our love, we can only guess because of old hurts from your childhood but eventually you did, and we have been family ever since. We have cherished our relationship with you as our brother in love and will always though we all must part. Little did we know of your sweet cousin family Karen, Nan and Dawn until you got sick almost 3 years ago. They are lovely and wish I had known them sooner.
We know you and Mark have had a lot of ups and downs through the years but you both chose to stick together through all the trials and especially in these past 3 years that devotion from Mark and your kindness to him when he was sad has grown with your health needs. Our brother Mark was your fierce advocate and supporter throughout your life.
You have been part of our family for 41 years, You have been there for it all, even for the death of our dear parents, who were yours as well. You have always been part of us.
Fighting this cancer and then trying to accept dying so young has been the worst thing in the world for you, as it has for all of us. You were not comfortable in your body for a long time and that just sucks. There have been a few bright lights in the process, beautiful reconnections with old childhood friends, a new deep relationship with your nurse and friend Sabrina and her daughter Amelia, reconnections and time with Karen and Nan and Dawn. Deepened friendship with Robert and JMoore and with Keith, Denise, Nathaniel, Garrett and Kendra. You have made the most of celebrating life as you were able and that is a beautiful thing.
It has also been so beautiful to watch the deep commitment and fierce advocacy Mark has rendered during this whole process. We can only think of one thing that that is about – LOVE.
We love you. Our family has been your family and we all miss you so very much and will cherish all the memories we have made together throughout the years. I know you’re flying and free from pain and in such a beautiful place.
So much love always – Sister Melinda
I had the honor of knowing Greg for over 26 years I worked where he purchased his bird food from. He also gave me my two greatest gifts two little yorkie girls that I am blessed to still have one she is 16 now. There will never be another Greg he was a one of a kind my life has been better with him in it. I will hold tight and cherish our Golden Corral lunches where we talked for hours when we would meet for you to get your bird food. He always made me laugh he was always a phone call away when I needed advice for my fur babies. I always loved getting pictures of his beautiful flowers he had. He was an angel on earth. I remember one phone call and he joked about the hooker heels for the nurses I told him the higher the heel the closer to Jesus I can still hear him laughing now. I will hold you in my heart till we meet again we started as friends but I loved you like family.
My Dear Sweet Angel Greg. We have known each other since high school and reconnected through FB. We have been pen pals for three years since we both were battling cancer. I know how much you loved my mom as she did you! Please tell her I’m better because of your support. I prayed that I could have done the same for you. I will miss you so much! xoxo
Greg takes the cake. He would challenge and love all, with gorgeous blue eyes darting left to right, figuring out his next plan so he could have a laugh, brilliant brain. I’ve been his cousin for 65 years, it’s been a trip to say the least. His spirit will always be with us. Cheers and Love to Greg! Dawn
Darling Greg,
What a splendid man, hilarious stories, generous and kind.
Winston is in our lives, bringing us joy thanks to Greg.
We will always hold you in our hearts with great fondness always.
Our sincere condolences to family and friends.
Ken and Carolyn Anderson.