Joe Gregory, Jr.

Joe Henry Gregory, Jr., died August 29, 2018, at his home in Hernando, Florida. He was born to Joe Henry Gregory, Sr. and Katherine Scott Gregory on November 23, 1933, in Woodville, NC, and grew up in Elizabeth City, NC.

He was a graduate of Elizabeth City High School and Troy State University. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1953, and married the former Myra Burnham of South Mills, NC, in 1954. Joe’s 26-year military career included tours in Texas, Germany, Alaska, Japan, Italy, Okinawa, Maryland and his final assignment at MacDill AFB in Tampa, FL, where he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. From there, he went on to work another 13 years for the US Postal Service and, never one to stay idle very long, continued another 17 years as a cabinet maker in Tampa before finally ending his working career. Joe and Myra then moved North, to Hernando, FL.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his survivors include his loving wife, of 64 years, Myra Gregory, two sons; William (Bill) Gregory, of Hernando, FL, and Joe H. (Joey) Gregory III (Jerrie Lynn) of Tampa, FL, a brother; Frank Gregory (Rita) of Elizabeth City, NC, step-grandsons; Kevin and Kyle Osborne, several nieces, nephews and an army of friends. He was a Deacon in the Baptist Church, and a Mason for over 50 years. He loved playing softball and watching his beloved Florida Gators, Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Braves.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September, 4, 2018 at the Heinz Funeral Home located at 2507 Hwy 44 West Inverness, FL, with Chaplain Dan Middlebrooks and Pastor Tim Lantzy officiating. Graveside Services, with full military honors, will be held at Florida National Cemetery located at 6502 SW 102nd Ave Bushnell Florida at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Hopewell Baptist Church in Plant City, FL, or First Baptist Church of Crystal River, FL.