Gary Wayne Gritton

DANVILLE - Gary Wayne Gritton, 49, of Danville, passed away at his home on Sept. 22, 2025, at 3:57 p.m.

Gary was born on Feb. 6, 1976, in Danville, the son of Edmund and Nancy (Richardson) Gritton (deceased-1976), and Marsha (Seitz) Gritton. Gary married Meridith Christman on June 26, 2010, in Danville.

Survivors include his wife, Meridith Gritton; their children, Nathaniel, Naomi and Nigel Gritton of Danville; his father and mother, Edmund (Marsha) Gritton of Danville; his brother, Greg (Kimberly) Gritton of Danville; his mother- and father-in-law, Richard (Agnes) Christman of Danville; his sister-in-law, Eve (Stephen) Ludwig and their children, Marcus, Nadia, Charles, Vivian, Ivan and Stephen of Danville; his uncle, Rodney (Monica) Seitz of Midland, Texas; and many close friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Gritton, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Gary was a graduate of Oakwood High School, Danville Area Community College, Illinois State University and Olivet Nazarene University.

Gary was active throughout his life, especially in sports. With his brother Greg, they constantly played Nerf basketball in the dining room, or wiffle ball in the yard in all types of weather.

Gary was a proud graduate of Oakwood High School, Class of 1994. He participated in football, basketball and baseball and was on the Oakwood Times Newspaper staff. When Gary was asked which sport was his favorite, his answer was always the sport he was currently playing - which is the same answer that his 8-year-old son says today.

While at ISU he played intramural sports, even driving back to Danville to play in a co-ed softball league. He also coached kids' intramural basketball.

After college graduation, he was hired as a teacher and the assistant baseball coach at Schlarman High School. As his career unfolded, Danville District 118 hired Gary as a history teacher at Danville High School, both basketball and baseball coach at North Ridge, and baseball coach for the Danville Vikings. During his first year as coach for Northridge basketball, the team placed third in the IESA state tournament. Also, under Coach Gritton, the DHS Vikings won five regional and one sectional championship. Additionally, he coached American Legion Post 210 baseball with good friend, Adam Decker. This great coaching team was able to help prepare many future college athletes. The player/coach bonds that were formed remain strong today. After recently accepting the position as DHS Athletic Director, Gary continued to support the many athletic programs - including aiding in the establishment of Women's Flag Football at Danville High School.

Gary loved spending time with his family, especially playing with his children. He loved coaching his sons in Little League. Gary imparted his knowledge of skills upon his children while they practiced for days and hours in the front yard. He was so proud of Nathaniel's inquisitiveness and music skills, Naomi's crafty ideas and determination, and Nigel's athletic abilities and fun-loving spirit.

He was a Chicago Cubs fan and followed Illini basketball and football teams. Gary enjoyed reading and learning about history, and over the years he planned several trips to historical places. He also enjoyed good music and attended many concerts - with Dave Matthews Band at the top of the list. Gary and Meridith celebrated their anniversary every year by seeing a DMB show. The family enjoyed swimming, boating on Lake Vermilion, and vacationing with extended family. Favorite places were Cubs spring training, Gulf Shores, Disney World, Egg Harbor, Nashville, Ft. Myers, and lots of weekend trips to baseball games. He really enjoyed working in the yard and planting his beautiful flowers each spring. He also loved grilling out, sitting around with friends and family, sharing stories, jokes, and being content with life. Everyone loved Gary, and he loved everyone in return - always making people feel valued. He will be remembered by his smile, his love and generosity, and the way he encouraged everyone he encountered - whether in the classroom, in sports, or in the community.  

A celebration of life for Gary will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at St Paul's Catholic Church in Danville, 1303 N. Walnut St., Danville. Father John Cyr will officiate.

Following the Mass, a graveside committal service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, 3901 N. Vermilion St., Danville. A gathering will be held at Turtle Run Golf Club following graveside service - all welcome. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Danville, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gary's memory to the education fund for his children at the Education Personnel Federal Credit Union in Danville.

Please join Gary's family in sharing memories, photos and videos of his life through his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.