John "Greg" Gregory Daughtry Jr.

John Gregory Daughtry, Jr. (Lieutenant Commander, United States Coast Guard, Retired) best known to family and friends as Greg, passed away unexpectedly in his home Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the age of 53.

Greg grew up in the small town of Sanford, North Carolina where he attended and graduated from Lee County high school in 1987. Following graduation, in early 1993, Greg enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and began his distinguished 20 year career. Greg was awarded numerous commendations during his tenure, to include graduating at the top of his class from Officer Candidate School in May 2000 and his steadfast leadership in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill of 2010. A decorated military career culminated in 2009 when he assumed command of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Chandeleur till 2013. While actively serving, Greg earned both his Bachelor and Master Degrees from Thomas A. Edison State College. Retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 2013, Greg continued his career in the civilian landscape, providing consulting services to the United States Coast Guard as Senior Director with Old Dominion Strategies.

Greg is survived by his wife Amy Daughtry of Lake Worth, Florida and loving dog Gracie, step-daughters’ Jeanne Carhart of Lake Worth, FL, her husband Joshua Carhart, Jennifer Harrison of Manchester, NH, and Jacqueline Harrison of Rochester, NH, husband Rich Matthiesen, grandchildren Tyler, Jillian, Harper, Mason, George, and Hendrix, mother Jane VanDuyn Daughtry of Apex, NC, sister Christine Carter and beloved niece Ava also of Apex, NC, and father John G. Daughtry of Jacksonville, NC.

He will forever be remembered by his family as Sweetie, Bubba, G, Big Country, Big Guy, Grampy Greg, and “Uncool” Greg.

In Greg’s famous last words, “I’ll tell you what” (before adding something profound to the conversation) “tight lines”, “fly me to the moon”, “Roger that” and “Good on ya” (which meant you had the big guy’s stamp of approval).

Whether pulling in sailfish on his boat “Fin-nominal” or giving hard opinions on the exceptional vocal talents of Stevie Nicks poolside on a Sunday afternoon, the big guy was at peace in the water.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to express condolences consider making a donation in Greg’s name to support his niece Ava’s college education.

A funeral service for Greg will be held Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 1:15 PM at Dorsey-E. Earl Smith Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461, followed by a visitation from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dorsey-smithmemorygardens.com for the Daughtry family.