Grant E. Milliron
Grant E. Milliron left his earthly home and ascended to the throne to eternally be with his beloved Lord, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 8:50 AM due to heart failure. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, and his son, Mark.
On February 28, 1935, Grant E. Milliron was born in Mansfield, Ohio. His childhood was not an easy one. He started working at the age of 12 to help support his family. He attributes his outstanding work ethic to a farmer he worked for who taught him the value of hard work.
Grant graduated from Madison High School in 1953 where he made lifelong friends and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Nell Yates. They remained married for 67 years until her passing in 2021. He was a determined and competitive athlete in high school participating in football, basketball, and track. He was a good student that liked chemistry, wanting to go to college to be a chemical engineer. He could not afford college and was disappointed when he did not receive a college scholarship for football. He then tried to become a State Highway Patrolman but was rejected because of his height- too short. He then took a job at the steel mill.
In 1954, Grant and his dad decided to open a salvage yard business with a business plan written out on one piece of paper and $1,000. From there, his business ventures grew and multiplied and, he would tell you, his success was due to the sovereign hand of God who helped him connect to the right people at the right time and, especially, due to the loving support of his wife, Mary. Milliron Industries became one of the leading innovative scrap companies in the world. He worked until age 87 and cared deeply for his employees.
He felt very blessed by God and was compelled to share his blessings with his community and those around the world. He gave lots of his time and money to make things better. He saw a need to spread God’s word to the Haitian children and develop educational opportunities, so he built a new school for Haitian children in LeCaye, Haiti. Grant’s own children graduated from Shelby High School, and he has greatly supported that school system. He also built the new Shelby Fire Station. He loved supporting The Friendly House children’s activity center in Mansfield. It was also important to him to support the children at the Richland County fair by purchasing their animals. He has done so many good deeds, there’s too many to list, and he did them all with a genuine, loving, and humble heart.
Faith in God was Grant’s foundation. He learned about God when his grandpa took him to church as a boy at Main Street United Methodist Church which he continued to attend and support all his life. He also watched the Charles Stanley InTouch Ministry program every Sunday on TV. His favorite Psalm is verse 118:24- “Today is the day the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
He took advantage of every opportunity every single day. One of Grant’s principles was to always learn something new each day. He lived a quiet and humble life, and he was genuine in every way. Hard work, determination, generosity, and most of all, his walk with God, made Grant a devoted husband, father, successful businessman, and compassionate philanthropist.
His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of his children: Cyndy Hursh, Steve and Karen Kleer, JR and Teresa Milliron, Jeff and Marsha DeVito, Karl and Jill Milliron and Ken and Kate Hlad, 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. All his children feel extremely blessed to have had Grant as their earthly father, and will miss his love, friendship, and wisdom.
Some of Grant’s best days, included, but were not limited to (and in no particular order): spending time with his children and grandchildren, meeting President George W. Bush on stage at the Renaissance Theater, dressing up as Santa for Friendly House children, feeding the birds and watching them enjoy his beautiful backyard, buying and planting flowers, creating wetlands and beautiful spaces in nature, fishing on Lake Erie, riding his bike on the beach in Fort Myers, Florida and enjoying waterfront dining at Matanzas, supporting community projects, and helping someone in need. Grant E. Milliron was, and always will be, what his initials spell out- a one of a kind GEM!
Visitors are welcome on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 from 2-8 pm at Shelby High School, 1 Whippet Way, Shelby, where Grant will lie in honor in the school rotunda- a space he was instrumental in designing when the school was being built. Those visiting are asked to please enter through the Athletic Entrance- the eastern most entrance of the building. Funeral services will be private with immediate family at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, Shelby. Rev. Steven L. Schag, Mayor of the City of Shelby, will officiate the services with burial following beside his dear wife, Mary, in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Grant and Mary Milliron can be made to the Shelby Foundation, 142 North Gamble Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875 or via their website: TheShelbyFoundation.org/donate or to the Richland County Foundation, 181 South Main Street, Mansfield, Ohio, 44902, or via their website RichlandCountyFoundation.org/donate.
Care for Grant and his family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Online messages of condolence may be left on Grant’s obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
To view Grant’s tribute video, click the provided link: Grant E. Milliron’s Tribute Video
Dear Milliron family, so sorry for your loss ! Grant was a special person and did more for Shelby than many will ever realize. I was blessed to know him and always admired his humility and kindness. He was part of a small group of people that will always be remembered by their first name !
Thoughts and prayers with you during this difficult time.
Joe & Lynn Wechter
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Milliron family.
Grant was a wonderful man and friend.
Grant will be missed and admired for his kind heart, friendships and keen business sense.
God bless.
Michael Chime
Global Flundry Solutions
Kate,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. May you find comfort in your memories and knowing he is in a better place. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
My deepest condolences.
Milliron Family,
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your Father / Grandfather. I remember when he and your Mother was at JR & Teresa’s house for a cookout and my son Connor saw him and asked me if he was a Scientist ….because he had a lot of white hair !! It was funny. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
A hero to the community for as long as I can remember…and the gentlest soul in person…
Godspeed.
Jr., Teresa and Family,
So sorry to hear about Grant. He was a very special person. He will be greatly missed.
Praying for all of you,
Love, Debbie and Charlie
Grant was a wonderful support of youth in Richland county! You all are in our thoughts and prayers. You were blessed with a wonderful Dad and Grandpa. May God hold you all close and give you comfort. Dave and Brenda Thompson family
Cyndy and family,
So sorry for your loss. I hope all the wonderful memories lessen the pain.
My deepest condolences to the Milliron family for the loss of this amazing man. May God comfort you during this difficult and sad time with the knowledge that Heaven is rejoicing at his arrival ❤️
Steve and I are so sorry for your loss. Your father will be missed by this grateful community. God give you all comfort and peace.
We extend our deepest sympathy to you, Marsha and Jeff and the entire Milliron Family. What a tremendous loss and a wonderful example Grant was for all of us.
God Bless.
Dave and Chris DeVito
Oh my goodness. Marica. What a shock. We are lifting your family in prayers…may there be that peace beyond understanding in this.
We love you
Mari and Tony COLACE
I have known Grant for over 55 years. He was special to me and my family. When we first arrived in Ohio. He allowed us to live in the farmhouse that he helped fix up at a very affordable rent.
Grant was very instrumental in my life in so many different ways. By example he showed me the definition of integrity, honesty, kindness, love for his wife and children,and community and hard work ethics
I watched him through his disappointments and sorrows when his daughter Marsha got hit by a car and almost lost her life. And the passing of his son, and the illness of his wife.
I observed those things, along with the joy of his family and the success of his business, and most importantly, his love for God, and his faith
He was a wonderful, father and husband, and was a fine example of how you dedicate your life to your children and your marriage to the Lord.
Some of the highlights, and (not so much ) highlights, would be having our two families,both with seven children playing softball in the field next to his house. JR and I stealing cookies out of Mary’s brand new microwave oven riding horses, and swimming in the pool.
One not so fond of a memory is when J R and I decided to lay some skidmarks with our stingray bicycles on Grants brand new cement, sidewalks And this is where I learned an example of how to control your temper. As furious as he was, he maintained, and of course, made us get on our hands and knees with scrub brushes, and turn it back to white.
I would try to remember to call him every Christmas and wish him well through the years. And he was always willing to give me advice financially, with business decisions, and with life in general.
In the later years, one of his hearts desire was to go to Israel. He knew that I had gone and we were trying to organize something so we could go.together.
I rest assured in my heart, with all of the scriptures that I know. That he is a saved man through Jesus Christ. Not by all of the good acts, and generosity that we all benefited from, but a true relationship with the Lord.
I will miss him tremendously, but only for a short while, until either I go home, or the Lord calls me up. Then I will be able to give him a firm handshake and a hug, and spend eternity with him and Mary.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family.Grant and Mary were both wonderful friends. Many years ago we took turns driving our children to school
God has blessed and now has wanted him to come home. His rewards are waiting.
What a glorius life Mr. Milliron lived. It is quite a blessing to all around him that he shared his wealth to aid others. My prayers and deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Cyndy, my deepest sympathy to you and your siblings on the passing of your dad. A great loss will be felt by so many people who knew him.
Prayers for comfort and strength for the family. He is with the Lord now and you will see him again one day.
My condolences to The Milliron Family! I worked with Grant in many areas from Jackson Township and Junior Achievement. He was a fellow believer and brother in Christ! His contributions to our community will forever be remembered. God’s grace and blessings. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
I am so sorry for your loss my prayers and thoughts are with you all. May God bless you and keep you, give you comfort and peace.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family.
To the entire Milliron family, I send you my heartfelt sympathy. Grant was such a kind man and upstanding citizen. He had such a quiet dignity, no matter who he was speaking with, or what situation he encountered. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
To the Milliron Family,
Please accept our sympathies and prayers for the passing of Grant.
The Ron Nelson Family
Dear Kate, was so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I know that you are comforted in knowing that he and your Mom are together again in the presence of their Lord and Savior. My prayers for you are that you are blessed in the days to come with many precious memories. God Bless you. Edna
We are so sorry for your loss. My mom, Heather, knew Grant and Mary from Island Shores and had the utmost respect and regard for them as neighbors and friends. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and we hope this is a source of comfort. McSpedon and Leitner Families
What a great person. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
I did not know Mr. Milliron that well but the few times I had any association with him I knew he was a kind and caring man, a man of faith and a man who loved his family. I do remember being out at the Milliron home and how he and Mrs Milliron made it such a welcoming place.
Most of my association was with the Milliron family (the children) You can tell a lot about a person by their family and Mr. and Mrs. Milliron raised and nurtured a wonderful bunch of kids…Especially Karen, who was in my class at SHS. Karen you were always so kind and caring; traits passed down from your Dad and Mom. You also had the most infectious smile and laugh. To you and all of the family, my prayers and thoughts are with you as you mourn. I know your Dad is in heaven with your Mom and was welcomed with the words from Matthew 25:23, “well done good and faithful servant.” Blessings, Mike
My first thought of Grant has always been kindness. I am truly honored and blessed to have known him over the years and I will do my best to follow his example of serving others and paying it forward. Our condolences to all the family and friends and I will greatly miss his smile from inside that great white beard.
Respectfully submitted
Pat, Mary Conley and family along with River Valley Paper/ Integrity Fiber teams
An amazing man and a great loss for his family, friends and our community. Rest in peace Grant. It was an honor to know you.
My prayers go out to all of the Milliron family.
Your dear father Grant was a wonderful role model for all who were blessed to know him. He helped so many and did so not needing
to have others know of his good deeds.
God’s blessings to you dear souls.
To Jeff & Marsha, and the Milliron family-
I ran across Grant in my teenage years, while I was securing used auto parts. Always pleasant and friendly, no matter what the purchase. You have my most sincere condolences in your loss. My family will keep yours in our thoughts & prayers.
Marcia, Jeff and family- Our sincerest sympathy in the loss of your father. The community along with your family has lost a most very special person. We were very blessed to have known him and your dear mother as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Prayers for the family of Grant Milliron. Mr Milliron was the kindest and most generous man to all who knew him. I will always remember the kindness he shown to my daughter when she approached him about attending the Junior Fair auction. She learned a lesson that day on the care and responsibility of owning an animal. He was a wonderful man who will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Grant with you beautiful wife Mary.
My condolences to the Family, Mr. Milliron was a kind person with a big heart, and a pure love for God. I always went fishing at his home ponds growing up as a child, we went to School with his younger Children, riding the School bus with them, We lived beside the junk yard and would wheel scrap in a wheel barrow down route 39 to the yard to turn in to buy a soda, or candy from the machines and if he was there, he would always be sure to buy a soda for us when he seen us, and say hello. He also supplied us with Large Truck intertubes having the employees inflate them for us snow sledding on fun winter days, He was always a very nice, kind, gentle and generous person which will be sadly missed.
Our deepest sympathies to the Milliron family.
I grew up at Main St UMC and my parents were friends from being in the same Sunday school class. A very kind man , R.I.P Mr. Milliron
Jenifer (Pershing) & Mike Lomeli
To the Milliron Family,
Please accept our sympathies and prayers for the passing of Grant. He’s now with GOD and his lovely wife Mary and his great son Mark.
Arcesio Gonzaga and family from Brazil
A kind, caring, honorable, decent person, the most respected man I know in the recycling industry, my role model in both life and work, RIP Grant, you will be missed greatly.
I first met Grant when he visited my factory which I had just finished building. Vibration from equipment was considerable, and Grant gave me some good advice: Shut it down.
He was always there to chat and provide hard-won advice and guidance to anyone who asked, including me. I’ll forever be grateful to him for that.
He’s a legend of a man, and made the lives of all those around him better. I will miss you, my friend.
I am so sorry for your loss. Grant was an amazing person who loved and cherished his family, his employees and his community.
I had the honor to get to know him and work with him, and I am a better person because of him.
I wish you all peace, and holding his memories close and carrying on his legacy
Condolences,
Mary
Jim and I send sincere sympathy to Grant’s entire family. What a wonderful person he was. We don’t know all who benefited from Grant
philanthropic spirit, but we do know Shelby was one of them. What a marvelous gift he gave to the city and the entire Shelby community!
We are so impressed by his love for God, and for his giving him all the glory for his success. Not too many people like Grant come along, but it is wonderful when they do. God bless all of you.
I met Grant 37 years ago when I was a young man buying metal from recyclers and scrap dealers in Ohio. He took the time to teach me life and business lessons as I developed a career, but also as a more substantial life as a husband and father. He showed me great kindness and respect and is one of the few people in our industry that can truly be called a legend. I was honored to know him and call him a friend, he was one of the best men I’ve ever met in my life. Comfort to his entire family and community, there is no doubt that he is in peace with the Lord.