Merritt H Gregory

Merritt H. Gregory, age 91, passed away early Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010 after a short illness in the VA Hospital in Gainesville, FL. He was a long-time resident of Plant City, FL, and, with his wife, Annie, owned and operated a Tas-T-O Donut franchise on South Collins Street in the 1970s.

Gregory served for 4 ½ years in the Army Air Corps during World War II in the New Guinea, South Pacific Theater, leaving the military as a staff sergeant with an honorable discharge. A lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he held several offices, including post commander, in the Plant City VFW Post.

After WWII, Mr. Gregory joined the Dayton Nut Company and then moved his family to Florida in 1954 to become their general manager of an acquired division, Head’s Nuts. He expanded the company’s food distribution business to include all Winn Dixie and Publix stores in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Later he moved to Plant City with his family to become general manager of Plant City Cold Storage, on Alexander Street across from the Farmer’s Market.

Gregory is survived by two children, one son, Ronald G. Gregory (Wife-Elaine) of Casselberry, FL., a daughter, Patricia Ann Angus (Husband-John) of TX., four step-children, Tommy Davis, Debbie Thomas, Lynn Galindo, and Beverly Salerno.

A brother, Carlton Gregory (Wife-Joyce) of Flint, MI., and two grandchildren, Adam S. Gregory and Kristen Gregory.

He was preceded in death by a son, Charles M. Gregory, a brother, Stuart Gregory, and a sister, Pearl Robertson.

Calling hours will be Friday Nov. 26, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wells Memorial Funeral Home in Plant City, FL.

Funeral will be Saturday Nov. 27, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at Memorial Park , Plant City, Florida with Military Honors conducted at the Grave Site.

Arrangements under the direction of Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City, FL.