09/17/2025
Gary Milton Grear, age 78, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on September 11th, 2025. Gary graduated from Messick High School in 1965 and from Memphis State University in 1969. He was a proud Sigma Chi, serving as Epsilon Kappa chapter president in 1968 and later as president of the Memphis Sigma Chi Housing Group, where he played a major role in building the current fraternity house, dedicated in 2004. In 2005, he received Sigma Chi's highest honor, the "Significant Sig” Award.
Gary built a distinguished career in investment banking and equity markets. A lifelong athlete, Gary devoted much of his life to the growth of sports in Memphis publishing Sports in Memphis in the 70s. He was especially focused on tennis in Memphis. His generosity provided equipment, clothing, and opportunities for countless youth in athletic programs through local schools, teams and the University of Memphis tennis program. His vision culminated in the creation of the Leftwich Tennis Center, dedicated in 2023. Known as the "father of the idea for Leftwich," Gary personally helped with the launch and the fundraising. Today, the 36-court facility stands among the premier tennis venues in the Southeast. In recognition of his impact to the community, he was inducted into the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. Gary will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose leadership and generosity left a lasting mark on his family, fraternity, profession, and community.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Memphis, the Epsilon Kappa chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Visitation will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 on Thursday, September 18th from 1:30-2:30. Funeral Services will follow.
All Honor to his Name!
