Raymond James Gregory, 65, of Dunedin, FL, passed away at 12:05pm on May 31, 2014 at the Suncoast Hospice, North Pinellas Care Center in Palm Harbor, FL.
He was surrounded by family and passed knowing he was well loved. We are grateful for the wonderful care he received at this beautiful facility and for all the support provided by his family and friends. Ray was born on April 12, 1949. He grew up in Trenton, NJ until he enlisted in the Army in 1967 to serve his country for three years including a combat tour of duty in Can Tho, Vietnam. After his enlistment ended in 1970, Ray returned to NJ where he met his first wife Janice, relocated to Florida, and became the proud father of three lovely children. In 1998 he moved to NC where he met his second wife, Jean. They spent 11 happy years together until she passed on November 10, 2011. In 2012 he relocated to Dunedin, FL where he spent the remainder of his days.
Ray had a big personality and made friends quickly with his infectious laugh. He loved music, films, golf, and spending time with friends and family, but above all he loved to fish. His favorite fishing spot in Florida was on the Dunedin Causeway where he spent many days enjoying the water and the beautiful FL weather. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
Preceding him in death were his mother Cordelia Petredis, his son, Alan James Gregory, and his second wife Shelba Jean Leazer Gregory of Salisbury, NC whom he married on April 10, 2004.
Survivors include his daughters Lisa Gregory and Julie Laico of Clearwater, FL; his sister Cordelia Simancik of Trenton, NJ; stepdaughters Brenda Gale Raven of Cope, SC and Glenda N. Gage of Orangeburg, SC; sisters-in-law Lorita Leazer Rodelli of China Grove and Doris Leazer Allen of Salisbury, NC; parents-in-law Agnes Lucille Rodgers Leazer and Johnnie Monroe Leazer of Salisbury.
A memorial service with military honors will be held on July 10, 2014 at 10:45am at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, FL. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family has asked that a donation be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 2675 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, FL, 34684, or online at http://thehospice.org. Please make the check out to Suncoast Hospice Foundation and in the memo put “In Honor of Raymond Gregory”.
Rest in peace Ray, we love you and miss you. Please sign the guestbook below.
Ray, You Were A Good Man And farther. You will be missed. May you rest in peace. Love always, Joann Perez
I’m a friend of the family and sorry I didn’t have the chance to meet Ray in person. I know that he was well love by his family and I share in their loss. May you rest in peace Ray but still get in an occasional fishing trip.
My Sincerest Condolences,
Jerry Windisch
I know Lisa from back when she was in High School with my wife in Florida. I never knew Lisa’s Dad.
But from reading the obituary I know he will be surely missed.
Gone but not forgotten. A Soldier for life in Heart. I am truly Grateful for his service to his country.
“This We’ll Defend”
“Hooah”
God’s Blessings and Comfort to the family and friends of Ray Gregory. He did so love my sister, Jean, and they had 11 years together. I know they are happy together in heaven now.
I’ve been thinking about you a lot dad, I’m so sorry you had to leave us so soon. I’m grateful for all the time I was able to spend with you over the past couple years as well as your last minutes holding your hand. I love you so much and think about you every day.
I’ve been thinking about you a lot dad, I’m so sorry you had to leave us so soon. I’m grateful for all the time I was able to spend with you over the past couple years as well as your last minutes holding your hand. I love you so much and think about you every day.