Eric Jerome Gregory

Eric Jerome Gregory, 47, of Missoula, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at St. Patrick Hospital of colon cancer. He was born August 4th, 1967 at St. Patrick Hospital to Jerome and Linda Gregory.
A true Rattlesnake boy, he attended Prescott and Rattlesnake School. He graduated from Hellgate High in 1985. Eric began his "odd jobs" career at Roemer's Tire Company around age 13. While in high school, he worked at the Safeway on Broadway. It was here he learned how to tie his necktie as part of his attire for work.
On April 30th, 1988 he married Kelly Ridley and joined the Navy on June 1st, 1988. His first duty station was NAS Whidbey Island, WA. For 8 years he worked in the Phase and Air Frame shops on the A-6 then P-3.
When it came time to transfer, several locations were considered. Luckily in 1996, Eric moved to Maine where there was SNOW. He spent 6 years at VP-92 NAS Brunswick, ME where he worked on the P-3 Orion. In October 2002, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer and moved to NAS Point Mugu, CA. He serviced 3 years at VP-65. After experiencing the ice storms of New England, Eric was thrilled with the California climate and produce. In March 2006, Eric returned to NAS Whidbey Island to VR-61 as a Maintenance Chief. He earned his Bachelor's Degree and retired after 24 years of service. In 2012, the return to Missoula was inevitable because of family, friends, and SNOW.
He always had a great smile, joke, or wise crack. It has been asked," How did he survive living with 3 women?" His reply," I worked a lot, then fished a lot, and then they wanted to come fishing too."
He is survived by his bride of 27 years Kelly, two daughters Brianne and Erica, parents Linda Gregory (Frank Tremper), Jerome and Elaine Gregory, sister Sarah Gregory (Glenn Pickard), and brother Andrew Gregory.
He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law Tim and Sheri Sayles; sisters-in-law Deb Ridley and Carrie Conner; Aunt Kathy Youngquist (Bill Bailey), and her daughter Erin Favier; Aunt Jamie Holman, her children Shawn Morrison and Shannon Smith.
He was preceded in death by mother-in-law Jo Ridley and father-in-law Harold Ridley; grandparents Percy and Rogene Gregory, Fred and Esther Knuchel.
A service for Eric will be held at 9:30am Thursday, May 28th at Garden City Funeral Home. After a reception at this location, Eric will be buried at the Veteran's Cemetery, 1911 Tower St., near Big Sky High School.
In lieu of flowers to remember the Humane Society with a donation. Please visit www.missoulafuneralhomes.com to sign Eric's online guestbook.


Read Eric Gregory's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.