Nickey Gregory, founder of Atlanta-based wholesale produce distributor Nickey Gregory Co., died May 15 at 63.
Gregory built one of the Southeast’s most respected produce businesses for more than four decades. He began his produce journey working at a farmer’s market at age 5 and later founded the Nickey Gregory Co. with his wife, Cheryl, in 2000.
His obituary notes that his “life was defined by dedication and perseverance” and that his employees admired “both his leadership and his generous spirit.”
Earlier in May, prior to Gregory’s passing, the company announced Scott Chapman as president as Gregory retired. Chapman was originally named to the role in December 2025.
“Building this company has been the privilege of my life,” Gregory said in the news release at the time. “The relationships we built with customers, growers and partners across this industry are what I am most proud of. I have every confidence in Scott, Marianna and the team, along with my committed family, to whom I’ve entrusted the continuation of my life’s work. I am excited about what the future holds for Nickey Gregory as part of TruSource.”
The company said this transition positions it to build on its strong foundation and the existing leadership team, customer relationships and day-to-day operations remain in place. Chapman will lead the company alongside the senior leadership team, including Marianna Gregory Skrine, executive vice president.
Chapman joined Nickey Gregory Co. in 2007 as vice president of sales, a role he held for nearly two decades. Prior to Nickey Gregory Co., Chapman spent more than 15 years with Kroger, including time as a store manager.
“Nickey built something rare, a business where trust is real and a handshake still means something,” Chapman said in the release announcing his appointment. “It is an honor to lead this company, and my commitment is to protect and build on everything he created. Our customers, growers, and partners will see the same faces, the same service, and the same standards they have always relied on.”
