Obituary published on Legacy.com by Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home, Inc. on Dec. 31, 2025.
Gary "The Entrepreneur" Grant, Sr. was born on January 24, 1961, In
Orlando, Florida, to the late Scott and Annie Ruth Grant. The name Gary is derived from Old English and Old Norse origins, which means "spear," and it also means to embrace sharp wit. From an early age, Gary had a quick wit and comedian-like tendencies.
Gary was raised in
Apopka, Florida, attending Phillis Wheatley Elementary School, Apopka Junior High School, and was a member of the Apopka High School Class of 1979.
Growing up in the countryside of Apopka, he was an adventurous child. He would climb trees, go into the woods, and capture snakes, rabbits, and other wild creatures. Gary was not afraid of anything, and I mean ANYTHING! If you thought you had a bad dog to protect you and your property, he would go to the "bad dog" and bring the dog to the dog's owner, smiling and saying, "Here's your 'bad dog."
Gary also had a weakness for sweets. He loved honey buns and banana-flavored moon pies, cakes, pies, and candy. He also loved Domino's BBQ wings, pizza, and Taco Bell's menu items. These food choices were typical teenage food choices, but he didn't mind because that was what he liked. As a matter of tact, he was asking for some of these same food items before he transitioned, and the family indulged him with his requests.
Gary was an entrepreneur, operating a mobile car wash service, providing car washes and car detailing services to the Apopka community tor more than 25 years. It you were unable to make it to him, he would definitely come to you to provide his services, rain or shine.
The pride and joy of Gary's heart was his son, Gary, Jr., affectionately called "Lil Gary." He loved him with all his heart and soul. He also was a grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.
Gary knew his days on earth were near, so he made preparation to get his soul right with the Lord. Chuck, Gary's brother-in-love led him to Christ, his Lord and Savior. On Sunday, December 28, 2025, God dispatched one of His heavenly angels to bring Gary home, which was his final wish - "I want to go home." Before leaving this earth, Gary assured his family that he would be okay, and he let them know that he loved them all. He said to his baby sister Sue, "I love y'all." She told him, "We love you more!"
Gary is predeceased by his parents, Scott and Annie Ruth Grant; Sisters: Shirley James and Garnie L. Massey; maternal grandparents, Ethel and Solomon Richmond, Sr.; and paternal grandparents, Hattie Grant and Robert Crittenden.
Gary leaves to cherish his precious memories to: his Son: Gary Jr.; Granddaughter: Keeasha Kezia Grant; Sisters: Dorothy Boykin,
Apopka, FL, Bernice Love, Denver, CO, and Sue G. Watson (Willie)
Orlando, FL; Brothers: Lee Grant (Josephine) Syracuse, NY, Marvin Thompson (Barbara), Waterbury, CT, Kirby Grant, Sr. (Patricia)
Apopka, FL, James Grant (Debra)
Apopka, FL, Jackie Grant,
Apopka, FL, and Kennedy Grant, Sr. (Alicia)
Orlando, FL; Aunt: Emma Green, Rochester, NY, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and many friends.