Curtis Franklin Gregory's Obituary
Curtis F. Gregory, 71, of Gainesville, FL and formerly of Chicago, IL passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2014. He was a devoted son, brother, father, uncle, and friend.
Curtis was born on August 18, 1942, to Henry and Willola Gregory in Chicago Illinois. He graduated from Edwin Gilbert Cooley Vocational High School in 1961. Curtis loved sharing stories of growing up in Cabrini Green with his sister, Vivian, and brother Henry, and running with their buddies Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler to name a few. While he did not end up a musician like his fellow near north siders, music was constant in his life. He was known for his extensive record collection and enjoyed listening to both recorded and live music.
Professionally he was a field auditor for the City of Chicago and greatly enjoyed the many people he worked with and met along the way. Curtis’ sense of humor and outgoing personality served as magnets to many who became life long friends.
Growing up in the forties and fifties, inequality moved Curtis to action. He participated in many of the civil rights marches including the March on Washington in 1963. He served honorably as a medic and chaplain in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was an active member of Operation Breadbasket and Operation PUSH where he actively worked to reshape our country to ensure that the American Dream was available to all of its citizens. Later in life, he worked with many politicians on their election campaigns and encouraging inner city residents to “get out and vote.” He was truly a man of action.
Curtis was a devout Catholic. Curtis believed in his heart and confessed that Jesus was his Lord and Savior. He was a faithful member and usher at Old Saint Mary’s Church, until he relocated to Gainesville, FL for health reasons. He regularly volunteered his time to community outreach sponsored by his church or the Knights of Columbus.
Curtis enjoyed talking to his fellow residents and staff at Harbor Chase Assisted Living Facility about his time and encounters in Chicago. While he enjoyed the Florida weather and being closer to family, his heart was always in Chicago.
Curtis is survived by his daughter Kara Gregory Bell, his son Kraig Gregory (Robin), and his grandchildren Gregory Bell, Spencer Gregory, Gabrielle Gregory, his niece Marie Charlotte Pitts, and former wife Marshalla Gregory. He is preceded in death by his father Henry Gregory, mother Willola Gregory, brother Henry Gregory, and sister Vivian Pitts.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday August 21, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Greenhouse Church 2925 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville Fl 32605. Arrangements are under the Care of Williams – Thomas Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass and burial will take place in Chicago, IL in 2015.
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