Gregory Wafer

“Allow the light and the healing presence of Christ to shine brightly through your lives. In that way, all those who come in contact with you will discover the loving kindness of God.”

— St. Pope John Paul II

Gregory’s unwavering faith guided him through life’s many challenges, and his spirit of generosity, which he later displayed, touched everyone he met. He was known for offering encouragement and a listening ear to those in need, making a lasting impact on his family and friends through small acts of kindness. His legacy of compassion and devotion continues to inspire those who knew him.

Gregory “Greg” Wafer, age 69, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Southern Arizona Veteran Administration Healthcare Center.

Born on July 28, 1956, to the late Annie and Edward Wafer in Tucson, Arizona, Greg graduated with honors from Tucson High School. During his high school years, he excelled as a championship wrestler and played the trumpet in the Tucson High School Band. He later attended the University of Arizona for several semesters before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1977, where he proudly served for 10 years in various countries.

Greg’s passion for sports was evident throughout his life. In his youth, he enjoyed playing a variety of sports, and later in life, he developed a passion for watching games on television. Greg has a love for all types of music and even played in a local band in his younger years. Despite health challenges that kept him at home, he found joy in his favorite TV programs, especially Family Feud and Wheel of Fortune. We must not forget to mention his outrageous sense of humor; he was quite a jokester. Sometimes he would laugh so hard he had difficulty catching his breath and scare the hell out of us!

His loving family cherishes Greg’s memory: his daughter, Jazmine Wafer, Alexandria, VA; his son, Gregory Shamaun (Sarah) Wafer, Atlanta, GA; his grandchildren, Adrianna Collier, Jalen Collier, Amaya Collier, Denver, CO; Vdara Wafer and Aaron Rupp-Zenteno, Tucson, AZ; his sisters, Barbara Harvey, San Diego, CA; Valerie Wafer, Santa Rosa, CA; Edelina Jones, Tucson, AZ; Cheryl Herring, Peoria, AZ; his brothers, Arnold (Denise) Wafer, Oceanside, CA, and Gerald Gause, Tucson, AZ; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Lonnie Wafer; his mother, Annie Lee Darby Wafer; his sons, Antoine Wafer and Adrian Collier; his brother, Mitchell Darby; and his sister, Glenda Wafer.

Greg has been cremated. Military honors and committal service will be held at the National Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Marana, Arizona, in December.

Join family and friends for Greg’s Celebration of Life ceremony and dinner on September 20, 2025, at 2 PM, Crystal Event Center, 610 W. Prince Road, Tucson, Arizona  520-442-5304

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to our friends, the staff at the Veterans Hospital and the VA HUD-VASH program for their compassionate care and support.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:1