T. Raymond Gregory, 91, passed peacefully in his home at Congress Lake in Hartville on Wednesday. Ray was born October 15, 1927 in Mineola, New York to George I. and Dorothy Barfield Gregory. He graduated from the Admiral Billard Academy in New London, CT. Ray proudly served his country in the Army and was stationed in Korea. He married the love of his life, Virginia, in New York in 1949 and moved to North Canton in 1957. Ray founded Gregory Industries in Canton in 1957, continuing a family legacy that started with the Thomas Gregory Galvanizing Works established in New York in 1896. He was active in the company until his passing.

An avid sailor, golfer and fisherman, Ray was a member of many clubs and organizations, including Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, The Storm Trysail Club, Congress Lake Club, Rockwell Springs Trout Club, Anglers of the Au Sable, and Brookside Country Club. Ray and Virginia sailed throughout the world together for over 70 years. They were great supporters of Aultman Hospital. Ray served as a member of the Aultman Health Foundation board of directors for more than 20 years and was chairman of the board from 1978- 1980. He served on the board of North Canton Medical Foundation for 30 years. He also served on the boards of Harter Bank and Society Bank. He was a member of the American Galvanizing Association, earning Hall of Fame honors for his contributions to the industry and a member of the American Hot Dip Galvanizers Association, earning the President Award for innovation.

Ray is survived by his five children: Margie Donley of Bluffton, SC, Steve and Lisa Gregory of North Canton, Dan Gregory of Sacramento, Calif., Ginger Gregory of Hartville, and George and Lori Gregory of Marlboro Township; his grandchildren: Matt Gregory (Tara) of North Canton, Amy Porter (Scott) of Greentown, Mark Donley of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Melissa Donley of St. Petersburg, Fla., Megan Mills (Eric) of Charleston, SC, Mackenzie King (Blake Compton) of Columbus, Linzee Steinmetz (Tim) of Galena, and Michael Gregory of Marlboro Township; and his great-grandchildren: Madeline, Mitchell, and JT Gregory, Kaylee, Kylie, Zack, and Addison Porter, and Michael, Claire, and Robert Steinmetz.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Virginia, his sisters, Marjorie Phyllis Gregory and Joyce Gregory Mendell, son-in-law Michael Donley, and great-grandson Asher Mills.

Calling hours will be held at Arnold Funeral Home in Hartville on Thursday January 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday January 18 at 11 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in North Canton with Rev. Steve Stultz Costello officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Aultman Cancer Center c/o The Aultman Foundation, www.aultmanfoundation.org. Condolences may be left online at www.arnoldfuneralhome.com

(Arnold-Hartville 330-877-9364)