Charles "Tom" Gregory III

Charles “Tom” Thomas Gregory III, born on October 2, 1948, entered, heaven on June 28, 2025. Born in Lexington, Virginia, to Charles Gregory Jr., and Juanita “Snookie” Bryant. Tom grew up enjoying the Shenandoah Valley & the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. As a young child, he loved to be outdoors especially fishing. The family moved to Sarasota, Florida in June 1963. Tom graduated from Sarasota High School in 1966, where he played varsity football and was a track High Jumper. After graduation, Tom read an article titled “Horse and Rider” written by a professor in California. Tom was very inspired and decided to pursue educational training in becoming a farrier, he was determined to be “one of the best in the business.” He attended the University of California Polytechnic on a rodeo scholarship, studied animal science & learned the trade of horseshoeing. Eventually, Tom indeed became one of the top farriers in the country traveling and known world-wide. Gregory was also an entrepreneur. He started a window cleaning business in Sarasota as well as becoming a boat captain out of Boca Grande entering into the lobster business. Later, Gregory joined the Florida Fish and Wildlife, and became a Game Warden, a career he often loved to tell his grandchildren stories about. This career kept him in the outdoors where he enjoyed spending most of his time, interacting with people and wildlife. Throughout these ventures, he maintained his horseshoeing craft and skill, eventually returning back to Horseshoeing full-time and growing his business. In his free time, Tom enjoyed being an outdoorsman. Trips out west hunting and fishing were a favorite of his. Tom also enjoyed the sport of calf roping in his recreational time. Tom was a true cowboy in the eyes of his grandchildren. He ended his farrier career working with Tufts University as a consultant for their equestrian needs. After fully retiring, Tom moved to Englewood, Florida in 2012, to be closer to family and once again, enjoy life on the water as a charter boat captain and tending to his garden. Tom leaves behind his two daughters Roxanne Neuhaus (Ryan) and Tracie Nissley (Craig) & his sister Diane Steckley (Jim), four grandchildren, Reagan, Jackson, Bennett and Griffin, whom he was immensely proud of. He is proceeded in death by his parents and Theresa Gregory, whom he was previously married. The family will miss his funny stories. He was a pillar of strength & perseverance. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 10 to 12 PM at Maloney Funeral Home, 2401 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida 34232. The funeral service will be held at noon afterwards with burial directly following at Manasota Memorial Park. Memories and condolences may be left for the family online at www.MFHcares.com.

Charles "Tom" Gregory III

October 2, 1948 - June 28, 2025