James "Chris" Gregory

Deacon James “Chris” Gregory, 66, passed away on February 6, 2021.

He was a devoted servant to God, husband, father, grandfather, godfather and friend to all who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. His love for Christ was seen in all of his actions. He knew no stranger and loved to share God’s love every chance he was allowed. He had the brightest smile, most welcoming spirit and robust voice.

As a certified optician, he owned and operated Sulphur Optical Shoppe for over 30 years, serving his community in their eye wear needs. He was a Emergency Medical Technician, was an active member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Sulphur. In 2005-2006 he received the Rotarian of the Year award for 11 years of perfect attendance. He lived by the Rotarian 4-way Test. When not serving his community, he could be found at his children’s various sporting events, especially their swim meets where he held an active part as a certified swim referee/stroke official. Chris was ordained a Deacon of the Catholic Church in August of 2014. Since his ordination he has served his Faith Family of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sulphur, La, where he was raised. Chris was in his final year of serving the school children of the Westlake Area Schools as the CPSB Bus Driver of Bus 231.

He is preceded in death by his father, Chesley Gregory and his mother, Norma Planchard Gregory.

He leaves his best friend and beloved wife of 42 years, Mary Lynn (Hayes) Gregory; four children, Sarah Bannan (Christopher) of Mandeville, La, Rebekah Bernard (Andrew) of Lumberton, Tx, Dr. Nicholas Gregory (Sarah) of Monroe, La, and Hannah Rogers (Paul) of Lake Charles; 15 grandchildren; Kaeleb Rogers, Evan Bernard, Noah Bannan, Logan Bannan, Emmelia Bernard, Hailey Bannan, Ethan Bernard, Chesley Bannan, E.J. Bernard, Elizabeth Bannan, Earon Bernard, Lillian Gregory, Joseph Rogers, Stephen Bannan, and Eliza Gregory. Sister, Candace “Candy” Buser, Brothers; Dr. Chesley “Pip” Gregory (Trudy), and Dr. Joseph “Joey” Gregory (Debra); Sister -in-Law Nell Richard and Brother -in-Law Tony Hayes (Ann); along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 1:00 PM Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sulphur, LA. Visitation will begin for the public at 9:00 AM until time of service with a Rosary being prayed at 12:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sulphur, LA. Burial will be at Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Fr. Tim Goodly and Fr. Aubrey Guilbeau will officiate services.

The family respectfully asks that visitors wear masks and practice social distancing, adhering to local regulations regarding COVID-19.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital “In memory” of Deacon Chris Gregory.

All Praise and Glory be to God!