Tommie W. Gregory

Tommie Wayne Gregory, age 85, of Roanoke, Texas, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on June 1, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, humility, and, above all, kindness—a quality that defined him to everyone who had the blessing of knowing him.

Born in Duncan, Oklahoma, on January 7, 1940, to Walter and Nora Mae Gregory, Tommie’s life was shaped by devotion—to God, to family, to his country, and to the people around him. He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, and though his heart never left the shores of Hawaii, where he spent cherished years, his true joy was always found in the laughter and happiness of his family.

Tommie was a Master Welder by trade and a jack-of-all-trades by nature. He could build or fix nearly anything and was always the first to lend a hand. More than just hardworking, Tommie took immense pride in taking care of those he loved. Whether providing for his family, serving his church, helping a neighbor, or stepping in for a stranger, he did it all with a humble spirit and an open heart.

Kindness was his signature. It was the word most often used by friends, family, and even strangers to describe him. He didn’t just talk about compassion—he lived it. One winter night at a Christmas parade, Tommie noticed a homeless man huddled under newspapers. Without hesitation, he took off his nearly new winter coat, buttoned it around the man, and walked back to the car through the sleet, coatless, without a single complaint. Days later, a newspaper article about the local homeless population featured a photo of that man—still wearing Tommie’s coat. The man had sadly passed, and with tears in his eyes, Tommie said softly, "Well, at least he knew a bit of kindness." That was the essence of who he was.

He loved to give—gifts, time, laughter, and encouragement. He found joy in giving far more than receiving. His devotion extended to every corner of his life: as a Christian, husband, father, Poppa, friend, and community volunteer. He showed up for church workdays, school functions, special needs events—anywhere a helping hand was needed, Tommie was there.

Tommie was preceded in death by his first wife of 43 years, Ellen Gregory; his parents, Walter and Nora Mae; his brother, Jerry Gregory; his sister, Barbara Payne; and his daughter, Cynthia Coughran.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Gregory; his son Philip (Alisa) Gregory; daughters Suellen (Pat) Smith, Karen (David) Dinh, Belinda (Alvin) Uselton, Norma (Philip) Bernard, and Carolyn Baze. He was a proud Poppa to 22 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren—though many more called him Poppa, drawn in by the warmth and strength of his presence.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lucas Funeral Home in Keller. A service honoring Tommie’s life will be held on Thursday, June 5, at 10:00 a.m. at Victory Tabernacle Holiness Church.

There isn’t enough paper or ink to capture all that Tommie meant to us. He was truly a friend to all, a kind soul to many, and to his loving family—a true and everlasting hero.

Semper Fi, Tommie. You ran your race well, and the world is better because you were in it.