George H. Gregory, 90, of Traverse City, MI, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, June 21, 2024.

George was born June 3, 1934, in Traverse City to Pauline J. Sawyer Gregory and Howard R. Gregory. He graduated from Central High School in Traverse City and attended Northwestern Michigan College. In 1958, George was baptized into the Catholic Church by Fr. Walter Anthony at Old St. Mary's Church in San Francisco, CA. On September 5, 1959, George was united in marriage to Esther Bussa. of Milton Township, MI. He is survived by his wife, three children: Rita Gregory Chase (David), of Port Washington, WI; John Gregory (Paula), of Portage, MI; and Lisa Bausch (Rod MacKenzie) of Ann Arbor; five grandchildren: Gregory Chase (Olga) of Madison, WI; Nicholas Chase (Ani) of Chicago, IL; Michelle Gregory (Caleb Bahr) of Menomonee Falls, WI; Alexis Bausch of NYC; and Alyson Gregory of Portage, MI; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

George had several occupations in his lifetime. He drove semi for Cherry Growers, was a firefighter for the Traverse City Fire Department, a police officer for the Traverse City Police Department, and he retired as a Master Mechanic for Michigan Consolidated Gas Company (DTE).

George had a life-long love and encyclopedic knowledge of trains that began as a boy. He was President Emeritus of the Railroad Historical Society in Traverse City. Railroad highlights of his life included running the 1225 steam engine, cross-country Amtrak trips, owning a locomotive, and helping to return an historic locomotive to France. He was consulted often, contributed to several books and publications, and he loved to give presentations to groups on Michigan railroad history.

George was a military vehicle enthusiast and organized many vehicle entries into the Cherry Festival and other local parades to support local veteran groups.

George had a quick wit, infectious laugh, enthusiasm for life, and loved getting to know other people. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, George was predeceased in death by an infant daughter, Sandra Elaine Gregory and his sister, Suzanne Gregory Hensel.

The family wishes to thank Munson Hospice House staff for their loving care of George in his final days.

Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Church at 11:00 am, with visitation one hour prior on Friday, June 28, 2024. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Father Fred Foundation or the St. Judes.