If Ringo could not make you laugh, then your tickle box was broken. Gregory Allen Umbaugh (who was lovingly called Ringo) was born in Baltimore, MD., on June 20, 1946, to the late Posey Estelle W. Umbaugh Godwin and the late Sterling Oliver Umbaugh.

Ringo attended public schools in DC and Alexandria, VA.  After high school, he attended Strayer College, and then he joined the Air Force.  He was an avid bowler and he loved shooting basketball hoops. Although he was usually the shortest player on the basketball court and the track fields, he gave the big brothers a run for the win. He also taught himself to play several types of guitars which led to his starting his own band while in the military.  He was president of the Honor Society while at Strayer and started the first student publication. Writing poems and short stories was a favorite pastime. Gregory was a self-appointed and self-proclaimed Crimson Tide fan, wide receiver, defensive lineman and coach.

His many interests, experiences, and skills led to several intriguing career paths and pastimes: private detective, security guard company, law enforcement, professional comedian (which was the birth of his stage name --Ringo), and biker.  He also enjoyed serving as an elementary school teacher. (Fourth graders were his favorite age group.)  He used his skills, talents, and seminary training to answer his calling as a preacher in the Church of God and Christ. Serving others during their times of celebration and periods of grief and challenges brought opportunities for his own growth.  He truly embraced the special calling of joining couples who chose to commit through marriage.  Greg honed his comedic skills by "endlessly teasing" his only little sister, Nancy.  And, without a doubt, he thoroughly enjoyed being a dad and a stepdad.

Ringo was a member of the American Legion (Post 237) where he was a past Third Vice Commander and past Chaplain.  He was an active member of the ELKS Lodge #1648 and the VFW.  He was also a past chaplain for the Legion Riders (bikers).

Beholding the face of God, taking the hand of Jesus, and finding comfort in the Holy Spirit were chambers of his heart.   One of his favorite scriptures was Ephesians 6.  Many times, he started the day over by "redressing" in his heart.  He loved sharing the story about the complications of birth with his daughter which led to her name, Christina (Christ in An Angel).   Despite his illnesses – especially during this past year – he saw the light that led the way to eternal life.

Those who will always love him and cherish his memories include his loving wife, Miriam;  his devoted children  – Michael (Mike),  Christina (Lee) Shipley, and Philip (Butch);   his stepdaughter, TaMiria (Tam) Fisher;  his sister, Nancy Umbaugh Guy;  his grandchildren, Eliana Shipley and Tyler Shipley;  his spiritual daughter, Lela Baskin (Frank); three sisters-in-love, O. Christine (Jodie) Mayfield, Decatur, GA, Tommie Gean Adams, Douglasville, GA, and Debbie (Jessie) Booker, Nashville, TN; one brother-love, Thomas (Bubba) Blalock, Jr., Stockbridge, GA; a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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Funeral service for Mr. Gregory ("Ringo") Umbaugh will be Monday, February 14, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church with Words of Comfort by Minister Jessie Booker. Interment will follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens.