Rev. Mr. Gregory L. Bernard

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Friday, June 14, 2024, Rev. Mr. (Deacon) Gregory L. Bernard, 85, loving husband of Carol Balducci Bernard.

Greg was born in Brunswick, GA. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1960 on an Air Force ROTC scholarship and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S.A.F. Greg went on to fly jets, and his first duty after initial training was as pilot of the supersonic F-100 Super Sabre. During training at Luke AFB near Phoenix, he met and married the love of his life, Carol, in 1962. They were a model of Christian marriage for over 61 years. Greg served in Vietnam from 1967-68, flying 245 combat missions (45 over North Vietnam) as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) in the O-1 Bird Dog. Greg was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 11 Air Medals for his service.

Greg retired from the Air Force as a Major in 1980. The year prior, he took up a higher calling and was ordained a Deacon of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Savannah. Greg faithfully served as a Deacon for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Augusta, starting in 1980 until he retired from his clerical duties in 2021. Greg also served as a member of the Pastoral Care Department of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Augusta, serving the sick and their families.

Greg and Carol were full covenant members of the Alleluia Community.

Family members in addition to Carol include his children: Gregory Christopher (“Chris”) Bernard (Troye), Marie Therese James (Michael), and David Michael Bernard (Rosemary). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Max, Holly, Kylie, Casey, Thomas, Catherine, Barbara, Nora, Gemma, Erin, Maria, Patrick, Therese, Agnes and Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents Rennis and Agnes Bernard.

 The family will receive friends during a wake on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 7 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

 A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Mark Van Alstine as celebrant. Interment will follow in Alleluia Community Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alleluia Community online at https://www.alleluiacommunity.org/donations/donation-form/.