Gregory Break

Gregory Paul Break, 63, of Hot Springs, AR passed away on May 22, 2021 at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, AR. A Graveside Service and Interment will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Griffith Cemetery, Brownstown, IL with Pastor Zach Schaeffer officiating. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Chance Animal Rescue - for Greg’s love of animals or to HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital NICU - in honor of Kaden Stock. Greg’s great-nephew Kaden was born in Springfield at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital as a micro preemie. Greg rooted him on each and every day; he was so proud of his “little dude.” Please send memorials to Hohlt & File Funeral Home at PO Box 146 Vandalia, IL 62471. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com Gregory Paul Break was born on April 16, 1958 in Waukegan, IL, the son of Paul Keith Break and Barbara Sue (Hutchason) Break Shadwell. He married Carolyn Jean Pierce on January 19, 2019 in Clovis, CA. Greg retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections. He was also a former farmer. In his spare time, he loved traveling the United States in his RV; making it to 47 out of the 50 states. Along with traveling, Greg had an avid love for NASCAR/NHRA Drag Racing. For several years, he owned and operated Dirttrackers Unlimited in Brownstown, IL and was the Announcer and General Manager at the Central Illinois Dragway in Havana, IL. Greg was a crew member on various NHRA sanctioned race cars, was a Car Chief for Nostalgia Nitro Funny Car in Fresno, CA, and restored many vintage cars over the years. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Sue Shadwell of Vandalia; wife, Carolyn Pierce Break of Hot Springs, AR; mother-in-law, Charlotte Pierce of Mt. Ida, AR; sister, Sandy and husband Rod Branham of Vandalia; brother-in-law, Glenn Pierce and wife Tracy of Sherman, TX; nieces, Leah and husband John Shipp of Greenwood, IN, Lacey and husband Chris Campbell of Vandalia, and Shayla and husband Sam Stock of Vandalia; great-nieces and nephews, Jordan and Aiden Shipp, Addison and Payton Campbell, and Kru and Kaden Stock; and his furbabies, Bristal, Holly, Jeebz, and Buddy. He was preceded in death by his father, brother, Keith Break, and his furbaby, Kramer.

Gregory Break

April 16, 1958 - May 22, 2021