Michael Fitzgerald Gregory

NAPLES, FL - Michael Fitzgerald Gregory, 59, of Naples, FL, formerly of Asheville, NC and Andrews, NC passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mike graduated from Andrews High School in 1984 and obtained his degree in Criminal Justice in 1988 from Western Carolina University. Mike began his 30 year career with North Carolina Department of Public Safety as a Probation/Parole Officer in Charlotte, NC and then Andrews, NC before becoming the Programs Supervisor at the Hayward Correction Center. Mike ended his career as the Assistant Superintendent of Programs at Swannanoa Correctional Center For Women when he retired in 2018.

Growing up in the small town of Andrews, Mike developed true friendships with other kids that lasted his entire life. Mike cherished the moments he could reminiscence with these childhood friends as well as with his coworkers from his years with DPS.

Mike's loves in his life were his family, husband, four legged fur babies and any type of movie as evidenced by his over 500 DVD collection. Mike was adopted as an infant by his loving parents, Liz and Wayne Gregory, who predeceased him. Mike often expressed how lucky he was to have been adopted by Liz and Wayne. In 2019, Mike reunited with his birth sister, Suzanne, after years of searching. Suzanne had also been adopted as an infant. Mike loved having a newfound sister and developed a very close relationship with Suzanne.

Mike is survived by his husband, Randy Riddle of Naples, FL, his sister and brother in law, Suzanne and John Kemplin of Alexandria, KY; his brother in law and sister in law, Rick & Linda Riddle of Fletcher, NC; aunt, Phyllis Baldwin of Jacksonville NC; and two nieces and four nephews. Mike also leaves behind his beloved fur babies, Bailey and Diesel.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, NC 28787. A separate receiving of friends will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 215 Aquone Rd, Andrews, NC 28901. Graveside services will be held at 3:15 p.m., Sunday September 14, 2025, at Valleytown Cemetery, 385 Junaluska Rd., Andrews, NC 28901 with Chaplain Carol Dalton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to either Ministry of Hope, PO Box 998, Black Mountain NC 28711 or Gulf Coast Humane Society Silver Paws Program, 2010 Arcadia St, Ft Myers, FL 33916.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Mike’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com.