Charles Edward Gryder's Obituary
GRYDER
CHARLES EDWARD GRYDER (JACK), was born in Chattanooga, TN on
Sept. 25, 1925, and went to his reward in heaven on Feb. 28, 2011. In high school Jack was active in sports especially boxing and football. He won the Welter Weight Golden Gloves Tournament for Chattanooga as well as a scholarship to Baylor Military Academy. In 1943 he joined the Army Air Corps. He returned to civilian life in 1946 and moved to Miami. While waiting for school to start he worked for his brother in a shoe store. A beautiful young woman came to buy shoes and it was love at first sight. Miss Alice Parsons became his bride on May 1, 1947. Plans changed and he gave up his scholarship to Georgia Tech and attended University of Miami, receiving his BS in two years. Within months of graduation he was called up for the Korean War. He was chosen to be billeting officer of the Highland Pines Inn in North Carolina which was a training facility for NATO forces. Returning to civilian life was busy, he was active in his church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and on many committees. In 1956 he and Alice started their own Decorative Fabric Jobbing Firm, Biscayne Fabrics. Even though it was very demanding Jack remained active in the community, belonging to Kiwanis and contributing many hours to the Baptist Children’s Home where a house is named in his honor. After 34 years Alice and Jack retired from business to enjoy traveling the world, mostly by cruise ship. Their new home in Miami was actual in Aventura at the Classic Residences by Hyatt, now called ViLiving at Aventura. Jack is survived by many friends who loved him and cared for him, including friend and care giver for both him and Alice Mrs. Selene Brown. Friends may gather at Van Orsdel Chapel in Coral Gables, 4600 S.W. 8TH ST. on Sat. March 5th at 1:30. Service at 2:00 and burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the FL Baptist Children’s Home, P. O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL, 33802, designate for Miami or Gainesville campus.
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