Matula Gregory (left) wipes a tear Tuesday as her son Tom Gregory gets a hug from longtime family friend Mel Fisher. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        They lined up Tuesday night around the block: close friends, casual friends, customers, to say farewell to the man who brought a little gusto to their lives through his food and his personality.

        About 2,000 people filed into Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Finneytown for one last look at the Ribs King, Ted Gregory, and a chance to say a few words to his family.

        Lying in state at the front of the church, the man who became a friend to the famous like Bob Hope and to the average guy on the street had a long cigar between two fingers.

        Mr. Gregory, who died Sundayafter an extended illness, was known as much for his love of horse racing and cigars as for his Montgomery Inn ribs.

About 2,000 people paid their respects to Ted Gregory. | ZOOM |

        “He could mingle with the big shots and the guy working in the kitchen and treat them the same,” said family friend Bernie Clarke. “He said what he thought, even if some people didn't always like it. But he made a lot of friends.”

        A brief memorial service was held at the church at 7 p.m. with about 500 people filling every seat, and still some 500 people waited in line outside.

        The funeral service for Mr. Gregory is 10 a.m. today at the church.
       

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