Gary Manz Gregory's Obituary
Gary was a highly esteemed individual in the Miami community who lived a life full of joy and purpose. He was born in Miami on October 16, 1942, to Harold Lee Gregory and Olive Manz Gregory. Gary was a man of solid values and principles, and his love and admiration for his brother, Harold Lee Gregory Jr., were fundamental to his full life's journey. Gary's family was the center of his world, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He married his soulmate, Sheila Gregory, on December 10, 1971 and they enjoyed many beautiful years together. Gary was incredibly proud of his daughter Taylor Pena, born on February 14, 1982; and later was blessed with knowledge of a second daughter Dana Lurie, born on June 16, 1968. He was a devoted father who loved unconditionally. His most significant and most cherished role to date was being a dad.
Gary's educational journey was extensive and diverse. He attended Ponce De Leon Junior High School, Coral Gables High School, and Culver Military Academy. He later pursued higher education and received degrees from Florida Southern College, John Marshall Law School, and various insurance-related professional designations such as Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, Accredited Advisor in Insurance, and Associate in Insurance Services.
As a successful yet humble business owner, Gary was the Past President and Owner of Gregory Inc d/b/a Lon Worth Crow Insurance Group. He received numerous honors and recognitions throughout his career including but not limited to the Lifetime Achievement Award, Mitchell Stallings Award, Insurance Agent of Florida Lifetime Achievement, and Insurance Agents of Dade County.
Gary was also deeply involved in his community, dedicating his time and resources to various organizations and making his real impact in this world. Gary was Past Chairman of Miami Children’s Hospital 1993, 1994, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012; and Past Chairman of the Finance Committee. Gary was the first ever Chairman Emeritus of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Until his end, he remained a Member of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Various Committees. While he provided a wealth of knowledge and commitment to the foundation and hospital, he was most known for operating the coffee cart on Tuesdays going around the hospital to engage with patients and families. The connection he had with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, formally known as Miami Children’s Hospital and previously Variety Hospital, was generational. It started when he was a child watching his mother sew blankets for the children with polio at Variety Children’s. Gary’s contributions peaked as the hospital was Miami Children’s Hospital, and paved a platform for Taylor to give back for many years in leadership roles with the Nicklaus Childrens Hospital Young Ambassadors.
Gary also held other leadership roles including Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of East Ridge Retirement Village, Past National Committee of Trusted Choice Jr. Golf Tournament, Past Board of Governors of Riviera Country Club, Past Chairman of the Board of Summit Global Partners of Florida, Past President of Florida Association of Insurance Agents, Past President of Coral Gables Jaycees, Past President of Bachelors Club, Past President of Independent Insurance Agents of Dade County, Past Vice President of Junior Orange Bowl Committee, Past Director of the Bank of Coral Gables, Past Director of Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Associates, Past State National Director of Independent Insurance Agents of America, Past Member of IIAA Legislative Committee, Past Member of Big Brothers and Sisters, Past Member of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee, Past Member of Florida Supreme Court Judicial Management Council, Past Grant Review Committee Dade-Monroe Health Board, Current Member of 200 Club, Delta Sigma Pi – Honorary Business Fraternity, and Junior Chamber International Senator of the Riviera Country Club, where he enjoyed socializing with friends and participating in golf and tennis, especially at the "Table of Knowledge. "
Gary's life was an extraordinary journey, which we all hope to experience in some small way. His humor and charismatic nature were a constant source of joy for all of those who had the privilege of knowing him. It gave him great pride to be able to make others smile. When you get to the end, you realize what was most important from the beginning. For Gary, it was his countless contributions to his family and society. He will always be remembered as an unwavering advocate of his values and for dedicating his life to making a positive impact on the world. His generosity and selflessness were the hallmarks of his character, and he inspired everyone around him to strive for excellence. Gary's legacy will be remembered as a shining example of what it means to be a kind, compassionate, and driven human being. May his two daughters, Taylor and Dana, and wife Sheila, continue to honor his memory and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
For contributions to honor Gary Gregory: https://donate.nicklauschildrens.org/give/558190/#!/donation/checkout
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