Aubrey Earl Gregory

Aubrey Earl Gregory was born March 25, 1936, and passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey B. Gregory and Virginia Bradford Gregory, and his brother, Randall Gregory.

He is survived by his sister, Prudy Breedlove; his son, Steve Gregory (Lisa); his daughter, Kim Gregory; and his grandchildren Karlie Scudder (Matt), Allie Brooke Shrum (Caleb), Lauren Akins (Thomas Rhett), Macy Page (Tyler), and Grayson Gregory (MacKenzie). He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Willa Gray Akins, Ada James Akins, Lennon Akins, Huck Shrum, Lillie Akins, Oaklyn Scudder, Wilder Shrum, Everett Page, and Phoebe Page. 

Aubrey Gregory was a lifelong learner and entrepreneur, he found great joy in starting new ventures, whether they succeeded or not.

Born in Nashville in 1936, Aubrey grew up in the Bordeaux area and graduated from Cumberland High School in 1954, where he was editor of The Chieftan and a Spelling Bee champion for several years. In the mid-1950s, he was known as an "ace-in-the-hole" pitcher in Nashville’s Junior League Baseball, which helped produce many Major League players.

Aubrey began his college education at Vanderbilt University, pursuing a degree in engineering before transferring to Tennessee Tech, where he met his future wife, Cathey Richardson. After completing his studies, he went on to establish Aubrey Gregory Associates, an insurance agency based in Madison, TN. The agency flourished under his leadership, employing over 20 staff members and specializing in insuring Churches of Christ, Christian schools, and funeral homes across Tennessee. 

At the age of 44, Aubrey sold his agency and relocated to Abilene, TX, to be near his daughter, Kim, who was attending Abilene Christian University. While in Abilene, Aubrey developed a passion for aviation, eventually becoming a captain as a commercial jet pilot.

Aubrey’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident in his many business ventures. He co-founded Music City Motorcycles with friends Steve North and Ken Rice, indulging in his love for riding and racing motorcycles. Among the fondest memories was when he took each of his children on individual motorcycle trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway when they were 14. Aubrey worked closely with his son, Steve at Averitt Air, where he continued to work until the age of 75.

In addition to his business endeavors, Aubrey was a devout Christian who served as a deacon at the Madison Church of Christ, Madison, TN, during the tenure of minister Ira North from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. 

He served on the board of directors for Goodpasture Christian School. He also served on the Industrial Board for Metro Nashville, approving bonds and encouraging industrial growth for middle Tennessee from 1975 until his retirement from the board in 2020, at the age of 84. He was a proud Shriner as a member of Al Menah Shrine Temple's "The Flying Meds," in Nashville. 

 Later in life, he was an active member of the Smith Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hartsville, TN, until health issues led him to relocate two years ago.

Aubrey loved to hunt deer, but was known to never shoot, saying, "I guess I just love animals too much!" His children remember him as the perfect dad, equipping them with the love, compassion, care and kindness he showed to all people.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. at Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside in Hendersonville. Graveside services will be held on Friday at 3:00 P.M. in Spring Hill Cemetery with Dr. Kevin Shrum officiating. 

Pallbearers will be his son, Steve Gregory, grandson, Grayson Gregory, cousin, Donald Gregory, nephews, Ricky Breedlove, Randy Breedlove, Randy Gregory, Jr., great nephew, Justin Wynns, and longtime friend to the family, Kevin Temple.

Junior Pallbearers will be Huck Shrum and Everette Page great-grandsons.

Aubrey Gregory will be remembered for his boundless curiosity, love of adventure, and devotion to his family. He lived an extraordinary 88 years, and his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now in a new body.