Leo Tyrus (Ty) Gregory

Leo Tyrus (Ty) Gregory, 73, of Bonita Springs passed away Sunday Nov. 5, 2017 peacefully in the arms of his wife, surrounded by his daughter, brother and sister-in-law. The son of the late Leo and Lucy A. (Watson) Gregory, Ty was born in 1944 Gainesville, FL and was raised in Winter Haven. He and his wife have been residents of Bonita Springs for the past 17 years. Ty launched his distinguished and wide-ranging professional career first as a trapeze artist with the Florida State University circus as well as the Al G. Kelly and Miller Brothers circus. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. After graduation Ty joined the United States Air Force. Lt Col (Ret) Gregory served his country for 23 years as a pilot, squadron commander, and one-time parachute tester. He flew combat missions over Vietnam, earning a Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. After retiring from the Air Force he embarked on a 25-year career as a pilot for Southwest Airlines. He was deeply respected and his positive attitude, perseverance, kindness and sense of humor were pivotal in cementing the Southwest Airline culture. In addition to his love for aviation, Ty was an avid outdoorsman. He served as Commodore of the local sailing club and was an active member for many years. In the summer, he took his passion for hiking, biking and golf to his beloved Colorado Mountains. Ty lived a rich life full of love and laughter he was a fighter who will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Ty is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Gabriele D. (Naumann) Gregory; his loving children W. Thomas (Beth) Gregory of Portland, OR; Andrew L. (Melissa) Gregory of St. Petersburg, FL; and Anna G. (Tommy) Spann of Portland, OR; his brother William E. (Melody) Gregory of Lutz, FL and 5 beloved grandchildren, Abbey, Zach, Wil, Mila and Matilda. A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 15600 Tamiami Trail N., Naples FL 34110. Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making donations at Freedom Waters Foundation https://www.freedomwatersfoundation.org/donate/ or Christus Victor Lutheran Church http://www.christusvictorfl.org/give/ Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Leo Tyrus (Ty) Gregory

January 1, 1944 - November 5, 2017