Mike Gregory

1945 - 2024

Born April 29 1945, Mike Gregory died peacefully at home in Denton on June 13 after successfully fighting Leukemia and eventually succumbing to Parkinson's. His life was filled with accomplishments, adventures, and the love for his family and friends. His Christian faith, strength of character, and ornery stubbornness helped him deal with his physical decline in his last years.

Born to Texans Birge Gregory and Juanita Shrader Gregory while stationed in Ft. Sill Oklahoma, Mike got to Texas as soon as he could. He grew up in Denton and was a huge fan of the city his entire life only leaving for college, law school, military service, and countless travels and adventures. Mike's love of all things related to camping and the great outdoors started with Boy Scouts where he earned his Eagle Scout and the God and Country Award.

He was selected by his peers as the first ever Mr. DHS and served as the Student Body President at Denton High School. Mike, whose blood was the truest burnt orange, was a Texas Longhorn for life. At the University of Texas at Austin, he was a member of the Tejas Club, the Texas Cowboys, and was named Outstanding Student in 1967. After earning his BBA, Mike continued his education at UT Law School and earned his JD in 1970.

Upon graduation from UT Law, Mike joined the Marines as a captain, and after basic training in Quantico, VA and officer training in New Port, RI, he moved his family to North Carolina where he served for 3 years in the United States Marines Judge Advocate General Corps as a prosecutor, defense counsel, and military judge. After completing his military service, Mike and family returned to his hometown of Denton, and he began his law practice in 1974. He was a 50-year lawyer, a board-certified Family Law Specialist for 44 years, and a certified mediator for 25 years.

He was active in the local and state bar association serving as president of the Denton County Bar, president of the Denton County Collaborative Professionals, president of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, and a director of the State Bar of Texas. He was named Denton County Bar Association Member of the Year 2014-2015. For 22 years, he served as a member of the Form Book Revision Committee for the Texas Family Law Practice Manual. In 2018, he was appointed by the Texas Supreme Court as a member of the Board of Disciplinary Appeals.

He presented numerous papers at more than 50 legal seminars and was recognized for presenting the best family law article of the year in 2000. He was on the adjunct faculty at both Texas Woman's University and the University of North Texas teaching undergraduate law classes. Mike truly loved the law, helping his clients with their legal situations and taking the next steps in their lives as well as teaching and collaborating with others about the law.

Mike was very active in serving his local community. He served on the Denton ISD School Board, was president of the Denton Public School Foundation, and president of the boards of Big Brothers and Sisters of Denton County and of the Denton County Texas Exes Association. He was a board member for SPAN, Denton Rotary Club, Denton County United Way, Denton Community Theater, and North Texas Public Broadcasting (KERA). He was a leader of the team that produced the You're Beautiful Banquet celebrating cancer survivors and raising funds for cancer research.

Mike was a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, a big brother with Big Brothers and Sisters, and volunteered at the Denton State School and a dedicated builder for several Habitat for Humanity homes. He served on a variety of committees at First United Methodist Church of Denton and was also a youth counselor. He also led many youth backpacking and skiing trips for Summer Summits and even a youth trip across Europe, allowing so many to experience God's creations and fellowship.

Mike loved adventure and the outdoors. He was an avid backpacker, mountain biker, SCUBA diver, sailor, and downhill skier. He took many white-water river trips in rafts, kayaks, and canoes. Mike ran in several marathons including the New York and Boston. He loved traveling all over the world and even made trips to Peru to climb Machu Pichu, Europe, and Australia after fighting off Leukemia. He shared these passions with family and so many of his longtime friends.

Perhaps two of his greatest achievements were long and loving marriages first to his college sweetheart Meredith Mitchell of Corsicana until her death in 1999 and for the last 24 years to Delaney Mulkey Blocker who joined him on many travels and adventures and then dedicated herself fully to providing loving care for him through Leukemia and Parkinson's.

He also counted his two children with Meredith among his best accomplishments. Daughter Courtney Gregory Denby and husband Doug live in Dallas and gave Mike three grandchildren: Marcella, Meredith, and George. Son David Mitchell Gregory and wife Kellye live in Houston and gave Mike two more granddaughters: Macy and Lillian. Mike got bonus children and grandchildren after marrying Delaney: Brooke Daly of Denton and her sons Liam, Aidan, and Jackson as well as Ben Blocker of Austin and his wife Katy along with their children Arden and Liza. Mike is also survived by his younger brother, Dalton, and his wife Donna along with their children and grandchildren.

Mike was a devoted Longhorn, a dedicated and loyal family man, and a true friend to many. Through his patriotism and military service, his volunteerism, leadership roles and mentorship, Mike was an inspiration to those who knew him. Mike, a man full of life and fun and ready for adventure, was oftentimes playfully irreverent and always quick with a wry comment and a sense of humor that caught many off-guard and left most smiling.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Juanita and Birge Gregory of Denton and his first wife Meredith Mitchell Gregory. He is also preceded in death by former Longhorn football coach Darrell K. Royal - no relation, but another man born in Oklahoma who flourished after getting to Texas.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to dedicated caregivers Harley, Faith, Ruth, Agnes, Heidi, and Jen, who all enriched Mike's life in his final years of life.

A service celebrating his life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Denton on July 8 2024 at 3:00 with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Denton Public School Foundation -Mike Gregory Teacher Scholarship (https://www.dentonisd.org/foundation) or via mail to 1307 N. Locust, St., Denton, Texas 76201; or You're Beautiful-American Cancer Society (https://e.givesmart.com/events/yzA/); or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (https://give.michaeljfox.org/donate