Eric Eugene Gregg

Our Beloved Husband, Dad, and PaPa, Eric Eugene Gregg, age 64, of Harrisburg, formerly of Eldorado, passed away at 11:58 PM, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.

Eric was born in Chicago on May 1, 1961, to the late Ralph Gregg and Frankie (Davis) Gregg. On August 30, 1986, he married Patti (Carver) Gregg, and she survives in Harrisburg. Eric attended Rudement Social Brethren Church.

He absolutely loved the outdoors, that was his happy place, taking care of his flowers, yard, dogs, cats, fish and birds-especially humming birds. He loved being in his backyard where he played countless hours of sports with his kids in “The Arena.” Eric loved finding a bargain at any second hand store, especially Fran and Friends. He was also incredibly gifted as a sketch artist, with a natural talent for capturing detail and bringing his drawings to life.

He was a man of many talents and passions, with a deep love for volunteering and a rare gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel seen and valued. 

He began working at a young age and spent much of his life devoted to public service, innovation, and community leadership. As a young boy, he delivered newspapers on a local route. As a teenager, he managed the Eldorado Park Pool and served as the nighttime radio personality for WKSI for several years. He also volunteered at youth camps in Eldorado, showing his strong work ethic and servant’s heart from the very start.

Eric was well known throughout the area playing music for weddings, birthday parties, school events, and more. He genuinely loved creating joyful moments and cherished the opportunity to bring people together through music, laughter, and lasting memories.

Eric graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio-Television from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.He was a counselor for the Illinois Department of Corrections for 19 years. He served the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs as a Senior Public Service Administrator and later was elected Mayor of the City of Harrisburg, serving from 2011 to 2013. During his tenure, he played a vital role in the city’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastating Leap Day tornado on February 29, 2012.

Following his time as mayor, he continued his service to the state as an elected member of the Illinois Prison Review Board. He was also a co-founder of Leveelock, which currently holds at least eight patents, and founder of Gregg Consulting. Other position he held included Saline County Economic Developer, Illinois Coal Division, and realtor. 

Eric was deeply committed to his community and gave generously of his time and talents. He served on the Saline County Board, where he was, at the time, the youngest county board chairman in the state of Illinois. At a campaign rally in 2003, Eric was asked to introduce George W. Bush. He was also a 2012 delegate for the Republican National Convention for the Electoral College. Eric also served on The Guardian Children Advocacy and the Saline County Housing Authority where he served as chairman. 

He proudly served on the Board of Directors for the Bald Knob Cross of Peace, the Saline County Tourism Board, and the Tri-State Food Bank in Evansville. He was a member and former President of the Saline County Historical Society and had a deep knowledge and appreciation for the rich history of the area, and also the Coleman Tri-County Board of Directors and volunteer. Eric was instrumental in starting both the boys’ and girls’ soccer programs at Harrisburg High School and proudly coached both teams—one of his favorite roles, which made him so proud and allowed him to touch many young lives. He dedicated many years to coaching each of his children in various sports, including basketball, baseball, and soccer—always cheering them on from the sidelines and helping shape their love for the game. He also volunteered countless summers announcing swim meets for the Harrisburg Swim Team. Eric was the Master of Ceremonies at Eldorado’s Town and Country Days Beauty Pageant for many years. 

Among the many accomplishments and awards Eric received, some that he was most proud of include Southern Business Journal’s Leaders Among Us (2012), Elks Distinguished Citizen, and 1994 Volunteer of the Year (IYC). Certificates of appreciation were awarded by the Town and Country Lions, various organizations supporting domestic violence victims and the homeless in Southern Illinois, and Shawnee House, where Eric often volunteered as a DJ to bring joy and fun to the residents. He also proudly served as a Lay Minister, sharing messages of hope at many churches throughout the area.

His passion for civic service and dedication to those around him left a lasting impact on the community he loved.

We can never have a complete list of all that he has done and everything he is involved in, because there is so much more we could say. 

Eric is survived by his wife, Patti; four children: daughter, Paige Zaslavsky and husband, David, of Savannah, Georgia; son, Logan Gregg and fiancée, Ana DeUnamuno; Leigha Smithpeters and husband, Kolby, of Harrisburg; Carver Gregg and wife, Tayler, of Harrisburg; eight grandchildren: Anderson Burk, Ayla Zaslavsky, Callan Gregg, Sienna Gregg, Sary Mae Smithpeters, Carmela Smithpeters, Kolsen Smithpeters, and Jensen Gregg and many extended family and dear friends who are considered family.

In addition to his parents, Eric was preceded in death by his brother, Darren Gregg.

Funeral services for Eric Eugene Gregg will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Duff-Kingston Gym in Eldorado. Rev. Donnie Hughes will officiate, and private burial will follow. Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM, Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Duff-Kingston Gym in Eldorado. Memorial contributions may be made to Bald Knob Cross of Peace, and envelopes will be available at the service. 

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