A Mass of Christian Burial for Gary Wayne Grigsby, 75, of Newark, will be held at St. Leonard Catholic Church, 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 13, 2024, with Fr. Peter Claver as celebrant.

Gary passed away, surrounded by the love of his family, on Tuesday morning, July 9, 2024, from complications due to the late stages of Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Newark, Ohio on May 1, 1949, to the late Walter Ellsworth and Virginia Ellen (Whiteman) Grigsby. He married Teresa Ann Riley, the love of his life, on May 4, 1970 at St. Leonard Catholic Church, Heath, Ohio. He was devoted to his faith, converting to Catholicism soon after their marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa; 2 children, Chris Grigsby (Shawna) and Heather Grigsby (Jeremy) Scott; 6 grandchildren, Kyra, Michael, Brody, Joseph, Rebecca, and Johnny. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Deb; and several in-laws.

A lover of all things involving water, starting from his teenage years as a lifeguard where he met Teresa. According to Teresa, she chased him all summer until he caught her. From that time and through their 54 years of marriage, they were inseparable. He loved fishing and could always be found fishing with his kids, his favorite fishing buddy, Heather, and his grandchildren, either from the shore or in one of his boats. He also really enjoyed pulling people behind his boat on inner-tubes, skis, or kneeboards.

Gary and Teresa loved taking short trips on his Honda Goldwing, along with his "gang The Fossils Motorcycle Club. He loved all animals, especially his many fur babies, including his current faithful companions, Kadie the poodle and Dita the dachshund terrier mix. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family, including cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and immediate family.

Gary enjoyed the company of others and never met a stranger, which suited his career as a salesman, He especially loved it when his family was together, both immediate and extended, and was always telling stories, even if they were sometimes a little exaggerated. He was always smiling and loved to give hugs.

Gary was a Heath High School and JVS graduate. He was a Navy veteran honorably serving his Country from 1968-1971. He was a Gunner's Mate 3rd Class in Vietnam. As a Beachmaster, his company was responsible for all beach landings and the path for oncoming troops, supplies, and ammunition. They were also responsible for landing South Korean Tiger Division Commandos which were able to eliminate launching sites by Vietnamese on DaNang Air Force Base.

Friends and family may call at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 5-7 P.M., Friday, July 12, 2024, with a Vigil Service held at 6:30.

Memorials in Gary's name can be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, Ohio 43055.

To share your memory of Gary, or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.