Gene G. Gregory

Gene Gregory, 95, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024, at a Temple hospital. A celebration of his life will be held at Windcrest United Methodist Church, 8101 Midcrown Dr., San Antonio, Texas, on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 9:30 am, with a graveside service with full military honors to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas, at 11:15 am.

Gene was born in Charlotte, Texas, to James Pollard and Katie Payne Gregory and was the youngest of ten children. He attended Devine High School, graduating in 1947.

Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, attended bootcamp, and then worked his way up the ranks as a machinist’s mate and then as a metal smith, and achieved the rank of petty officer second class. He completed two tours at sea during the Korean War from 1948 to 1952 on the USS Philippine Sea aircraft carrier. He was very proud to serve his country and worked hard at any task assigned. To Gene, service was the top priority, and at one point, he didn’t even realize his ship was wading into the war. He received the China Service Medal (extended), Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia clasp, Korean Service Medal, and Navy Good Conduct Medal.

Upon returning to Texas after his service in the Navy, Gene fell in love with and married Jody Virginia Shutts on December 5, 1952. Jody already had two daughters and a son, and he fell in love with them, too. Together, he and Jody had two daughters.Gene had a talent for being able to do just about anything, from farming and raising cattle to fixing cars to driving tractor-trailer rigs to setting walk-in freezers. He was raised on a farm and got up early every morning to help with the milking before heading off to school. Early on, after returning from the Navy, he drove a truck for Budweiser and for Howell Refinery. He started his own business on St. Patrick’s Day 1963—Gene Gregory Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. He retired in 2016—in his late 80s—and settled into a less-grinding lifestyle.

Gene was predeceased by his parents; all nine of his siblings; his daughters Carol Jean Gregory Wolff and Linda Susan Dellerman Morgan; his son Douglas Wayne Gregory; his son-in-law Arthur Charles Montesi; and grandson Miles Louis Montesi.He is survived by his wife; daughters Sharon Joyce Dellerman Palowski (Frank) and Susan Louise Gregory Montesi (Walt Hoenig); 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Adapt A Vet, Enhabit Hospice of Temple, San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders, Wreaths Across America, or a charity of your choice.

CELEBRATION OF LIFEFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 20249:30 AMWINDCREST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH8101 MIDCROWN DR. SAN ANTONIO, TX. 78239

INTERMENTFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 202411:15 AMFORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY1520 HARRY WURZBACH RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX. 78209