Obituary of Gregory William Tait

Gregory W. Tait, age 72, Laurel Springs, NJ, formerly from Hi Nella, Voorhees and Stratford, NJ. Born December 2, 1947, Died May 29, 2020. Greg worked as a general contractor using his vast talents to make homes beautiful. He considered his greatest career success to be the beautiful Victorian cottage that he built for his family where he proudly lived until his passing. Greg was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served in the Navy. He was a mason belonging to the Laurel Lodge in Laurel Springs. Greg was a member of St. Pauls Presbyterian Church, also in his hometown. It was on a mission trip to Brazil, with his family, where he helped to build a church and made lifelong friends. Greg played soccer for most of his life, including at Camden County College and South Jersey men’s soccer league. He was a fierce competitor who rarely missed a shot. He later went on to coach hundreds of young athletes in soccer, baseball, softball and hockey where he was an immensely positive role model. Greg gave graciously of himself throughout his lifetime. He and his wife drove a trailer to Tennessee to empty a kill shelter, bringing back over 30 dogs to their new homes. He worked tirelessly to help animals and troubled kids. Greg lived privately with Parkinson’s with dignity for over 14 years. He defied all odds by cycling 350 miles in Italy 10 years after diagnosis. Physically and mentally, Greg was an amazingly strong, brave man who had the best one liners, smile and gave the warmest hugs. He spoiled his wife and adored his children, grandchildren and numerous pets. He will be missed. Greg Tait is survived by his adoring wife Rebecca (née Hough) whom he nicknamed Lady Jane, daughter Shawn (Meyers), sons Shane Tait (Michele), Ryan Plotts (Jacqueline), Zachary Tait (Marli Burns) and his beloved grandsons Jaxon Tait, Robert Plotts and Theodore Plotts. Those three little boys were his daily dose of joy. Greg was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Campbell Tait and Dorothy Tait. He was the eldest of their five children: George Tait (Jacqueline Schmenger), Joseph Tait (Amy), Dorothy Walls (Donald), Deborah Bain (Bryan) and many nieces and nephews. Greg was blessed with many truly loving and devoted friends who were by his side until his final breath. If so desired donations may be made in Greg’s name to: Animal Adoption Center 501 Berlin Rd. N. Lindenwold, New Jersey 08021 856-435-9116