John Lawrence Gregory

Mr. John Lawrence Gregory, age 93, of Deland passed away November 7, 2017 at the Alliance Community Facility in Deland. He was born December 26, 1923 in Jacksonville, son of the late Joseph and Marguerite Gregory. John attended Orlando High School where he met his sweetheart in chorus. He then attended the University of Florida until just after December 7, 1941. He first enlisted with the Navy, where he was told he wasnt pilot "material". John and Clariece were married May 15, 1943. He joined the Army in October of 1943, where he made high scores on his pilots exam. During this time he piloted Martin B-26 "Marauders". After the war he returned to Florida, where he was the first person Delta hired in Jacksonville. He was one of the first air traffic controllers. In 1953 he was called up to fly B-29s in Okinawa. After 6 months he returned to the FAA at the Air Route Traffic Control Center as a controller and then a watch supervisor in Jacksonville. He retired after 33 years. John was an avid golfer, he played in many tournaments and enjoyed golf courses around the world. He also was on the State Board of Missions of the Florida Baptist Sate Convention, and was a deacon at the First Baptist Church for many years. He is predeceased by his wife, Clariece; son, John Lawrence Gregory, II; two brothers, Chandler Gregory and Robert Gregory. Survivors are his children Bruce Allison Gregory and Kimberly G. Passwater, as well as two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Graveside services for Mr. Gregory will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. WALKER DR. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL 32656. 352-473-3176.www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Evergreen Cemetery of Jacksonville 4535 Main Street Jacksonville FL 32206 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176