Gordon Vennard Grove

After 95 remarkable years filled with adventure, generosity, and purpose, Gordon passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and love. His life was measured not by the years he lived, but by the people he helped, the places he explored, and the family and friends he cherished.

Raised with a strong work ethic, Gordon held a variety of jobs from an early age to help support himself through Duke before serving as an Army engineer in Japan. While working at a petroleum refinery in Aruba, he met the love of his life, Mary, and their marriage became the foundation for a lifetime of adventure.

Together they lived in Istanbul, traveled throughout Europe and South America, and eventually settled in Florida, where they raised their two daughters. Gordon’s engineering career also took the family to the Dominican Republic and Mexico before they returned to Lakeland to make their home.

An engineer, entrepreneur, and lifelong problem solver, Gordon founded Grove Enterprises and invested in numerous business ventures, film, books and real estate projects. After retiring at age 55, he continued pursuing new opportunities and was honored to serve as a United Nations inspector in Iraq.

Service to others remained one of Gordon’s greatest passions. He coordinated efforts through Sister Cities and Rotary International to send wheelchairs to Moldova, chaired a Rotary International PolioPlus campaign, and organized numerous charity golf tournaments. He was also a founding member of the Wednesday Lottery Lunch Club, where the fellowship and friendships proved far more valuable than any lottery winnings.

Gordon treasured his family, his friends, and a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. As he reflected on his life during his final days, he said without hesitation that fishing had been his greatest joy. From casting a line with his mother at just three years old to teaching his daughters and grandchildren to fish, countless hours on the water brought him peace and happiness. Living on the water in Lakeland and later in Cortez completed the life he loved.

Gordon’s greatest legacy is not the places he traveled or the accomplishments he achieved, but the generosity, integrity, optimism, and spirit of adventure he shared with everyone, fortunate enough to know him. His example will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

Gordon is survived by his daughters, Veronica Grove of DeLand, Florida, and Tracy (Todd) Bradshaw of Atlanta, Georgia; and by his grandchildren, Andrew Bradshaw and Grace Bradshaw. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Gordon’s honor on September 6, 2026, at Heath Funeral Chapel in Lakeland, Florida, between 3-5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peace River Center at PeaceRiverCenter.org.

Announcement will be in the Lakeland Ledger on Sunday, August 23, 2026.