Jeffrey Howard Gregory, 69, of Americus, known to all as “Jeff” or “Howie”, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep on February 5th, 2024. He was born on September 3rd, 1954, in Spokane, Washington to the late Robert Gregory (Ruth of Monticello) and Joan (Campbell – Dunbar) Gregory of Lafayette. He was raised by his stepfather, Lon Dunbar who also preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his sister Dee (Steve) Warnock and brother Robert “Bob” (Carol) Gregory, a step-sister, Janet Dunbar, and a special uncle, Bill Gregory of Florida.

He is survived by his only child, Sophia aka “Fia” born in 2008; his longtime companion and partner of 22 years, and mother of his daughter, Dawn. His sister, Tina (Moe) Peterson-Gregory of Louisiana;  step-brother, Tom Dubar of Seymour; step-sister, Deborah (John) Callahan of Lafayette also survive. He also has a half-brother, Tom (Marla) Gregory, of Monticello. Also surviving are two nephews Jay (Cindy) and Brandon Howard, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by 3 bonus daughters and their families; Christy (Chris) Kuntz, and Chelsea (FI Phillip Miller) Taylor of Lafayette, and Courtney (Koh) Knox of Naples, Florida, all whom he loved very much. Jeff was loved by so many, however, he had two very close friends that were more like brothers, Bob Pickett and Delmar (Sally) Walker who were always there for him through the years.

Jeff”s favorite place, other than Florida, was his cottage on Lake Freeman. It was his happy place where he felt close to God, he would say all of the time. Sunsets were his favorite. He had his own boat before he had his driver’s license! He was on Lake Freeman for 55 years. He loved anything that had to do with the sun and water. He excelled at water skiing, too, especially barefoot! His purple Mastercraft was one of his favorite toys. Spending time at his lake house with his family and friends, as well as driving all of the kids for endless hours behind the boat, talking politics (because he was a true patriot!) wrenching on motorcycles -specifically Harley Davidsons- RV camping, traveling and vacations, 80’s music and watching his daughter sing and dance (or really do anything!) were his passions. They never missed a daddy daughter dance during her younger years. His most recent project was restoring a four-wheeler for her. They were also rebuilding Jeff’s first Harley together named, “Short and Sweet.” Jeff literally thanked God every day for Sophia. His last act as a human being and father was to say prayers with her before bed, as they did every night.

Jeff was a loyal and dependable friend and neighbor, always ready to lend a hand. Jeff was passionate and instrumental with keeping a stone quarry from invading his community as a member of the Americus Area Community Coalition. He also had an incredible memory for dates of just about anything. He loved animals and was known to have saved many from certain death along the road. He saved many turtles during his lifetime! He could also fix or build anything, including his own home. He and Sophia would build all kinds of projects together from bug houses to bird houses. There were lots of backyard campfires, wagon rides and walks together. He was the ideal and perfect father for his short time here.

Jeff was a very proud U.S. Army veteran and was stationed in Hawaii as a Combat Engineer from 1972-1975. From there, he received his Harley Davidson Mechanic Certification in 1977 from the American Motorcycle Institute in Daytona Beach, Florida and then worked for Vic’s Harley Davidson in Lafayette for several years. From there, he spent 31 years as an Assembly Technician and Lead Mechanic at Caterpillar, retiring in 2015. During his time there, he was sent all over the world to places like Denmark, Philippines, Italy, and Germany, to name a few. Anyone who knew Jeff, knew that he could not sit still and was always busy with a project! He soon returned to work and was hired by MacAllister Machinery and from there he went to Crossroads Motorsports. He thoroughly enjoyed his time at both places, however, when an opportunity to go back to Caterpillar presented itself, he was very eager and happy to return and reconnect with many old friends. His one-year anniversary would have been on February 13.

Jeff was a member of Gathering Point Church, formerly Dayton United Methodist Church for over 15 years.

Visitation will be at Soller-Baker Funeral Home (Twyckenham Blvd.) on Monday, February 12th from 5-8.

Funeral Services will be held the following day at 12:00 noon.

Interment with full military honors immediately following to Rest Haven Memorial Park.

All are welcome for fellowship at a dinner graciously provided afterwards at Gathering Point Church in Dayton.