GREGORY ALAN MANN, 63, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Birmingham on June 7, 1955 to Elizabeth and William H. Mann, Jr., Greg was the second oldest of five children. He spent his early years in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Tullahoma, Tennessee before the family settled in Huntsville, AL. He graduated from Butler High School in 1973, where he was active in sports including wrestling and swimming. Following in the footsteps of his father, he attended The University of Alabama, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Beginning work as a co-op while in college, Greg devoted his career of over 40 years as a licensed professional engineer with Southern Company. Over the course of his career, he contributed to the power generation group by specializing in pumps and wind turbines.
In 1978 he married Vivian Friedrich and they had two sons – Michael and Kevin – in Birmingham, AL where they called home. With an adoration of the outdoors, Greg was active in a hiking and kayaking group. He was a loyal fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and enjoyed attending games with his family. Greg is survived by his father, William H. Mann, Jr., two children, Michael (Elizabeth) and Kevin Mann, two grandchildren, Jack and Ann August Mann, siblings Brian Mann, Mary (Jim) McAlpin, Paul (Susi) Mann, and Cary (Karla) Mann, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is forever grateful for the liver anonymously donated as well as the kidney generously donated by his brother, Paul Mann, which added many quality years to his life. The Mann family motto is “per ardua stabilis”, which loosely means “firm in adversity”, or “steadfast through troubles”. Despite Greg’s health adversity over the years, he persevered to continue working and living life to the fullest. Greg’s mother had instilled upon him a love for Jesus Christ and the Roman Catholic Church. On the afternoon of September 1, which would have been her 85th birthday, Greg reunited again with his mother in heaven. A remembrance and celebration of the life of Gregory Alan Mann was held on Thursday, September 6 at 10:30 AM in a family graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute.