Leroy Ernest Gregory, Jr.

Leroy passed away peacefully at the age of 62 on August 27, 2022, at his home in Conroe, Texas. He was born on September 29, 1959, in Arizona to parents Leroy Gregory, Sr. and Dorthey (Kelley) Gregory. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ura Gene & Gearldean Kelley of Conroe, Louis & Mary Gregory of Washington State; father, Leroy Gregory, Sr.; stepfather, Morris W. Rape; uncles, Harold & Virgil Kelley; brother, Scotty Gregory; and cousin, Kyler Schmidt.

He is survived by his loving mother Dorthey Rape, sister Mickie Roland and husband Bobby, brothers Mike Rape and wife Cathy, Kenneth Gregory and wife Pam, Larry Gregory, and aunt Renee Armstrong and husband Robert. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many cousins, and friends.

Leroy graduated from Conroe High School in 1977. He served briefly in the Navy, and upon leaving he moved to Georgia where he worked for his father Leroy Sr in his restaurant. While there he met the love of his life, Melodie Smith. They married in January 1980, moved to Conroe later that year, divorced in 1982, but she remained a friend of the family.

Early in life Leroy began making wrong choices which eventually led to his incarceration. Although he was locked away from family and friends he was never alone; the Lord continued to pursue him. During his time in prison Leroy was certified in A/C work, began attending Bible studies, completed the twelve-step program “Celebrate Recovery”, completed the “Walk to Emmaus” and was a member of the Kairos Prison Ministry. He confessed the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized on January 8th, 2006, at the Polunsky Unit Chapel in Livingston, Texas.

In June 2015, Leroy was released from prison and moved back to Conroe to live with his mother, Dorthey. These past seven years have been filled with him making new family memories, participating in family activities, and developing a strong relationship with his sweet mother. He was not perfect, but he had a big heart and would help anyone in need.

Truly, he experienced amazing grace; his chains are gone, and he has been set free!

Friends are invited to visit with the family at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Grangerland, 15975 FM 3083, Conroe, TX 77302. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM. Graveside and burial will take place in Dry Creek Cemetery, west on 3083 from the church after the service.