He was born on September 13, 1943, in Rockwood, Tennessee, to Joseph Edgar Sr. and Katherine Louise Brown Gregory.

Joe grew up and attended school in the Morristown, TN area. He attended Morristown Technical College before leaving home for a successful career in the oil and gas industry. He worked for Humble Oil, which later became Exxon, and had a 35-year career with the company before retiring.

In 1999, Joe purchased his beautiful ranch in Cat Spring and began cattle ranching. In 2003, he wed his lovely bride on the family ranch, and together they made Cat Spring their home.

He served his community in many ways, from volunteering at the Sealy Food Pantry to working events at the Cat Spring Ag Hall.

He was also a member of the Cat Spring Lutheran Church.

His volunteering and generosity extended beyond his local community. Joe loved the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and was a lifetime member.

He often volunteered, served on the Calf Scramble Committee, and donated to the Calf Scramble Fund for youth education. That was just the kind of man Joe was — always giving.

Joe is survived by his wife of 21 years, Gwen Gregory of Cat Spring; daughter Crystal Arrechea and her fiancé Richard Lopez of Cypress; son Gary Arrechea of Schulenburg; grandchildren Haley Harper, Abigail Harper, and Rebekah Harper of Cypress; sister Julia Lyons and her husband George of Georgia; nieces Ann Lyons Testement and her husband Bart, Whitney Lyons and her significant other Ryan Woerz of Georgia; great-nephew Caleb Ollendieck; and numerous cousins, other family members, and many cherished friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Katherine Gregory, and a late wife, Eleanor Gregory.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schmidt Funeral Home, PO Box 610, 12029 Hwy. 36 S., Bellville, Texas, 77418 - (979)865-2424 – www. schmidtfunerals.com.