In loving memory of

Donald Grate
August 27, 1923 - November 22, 2014

Donald "Don" Grate, 91, of Miami Gardens, FL, passed away November 22, 2014. Don was born in Greenfield, OH, on August 27, 1923. He was a star athlete at McClain High School in Greenfield and Ohio State University, where as an All-American basketball player, he helped the Buckeyes to two Final Fours. He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. He played Major League baseball as a right-handed pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1945-1946, making his MLB debut on July 6, 1945. Don had a 13 year professional baseball career which included breaking the record for the World's Longest Baseball Throw. Don had been selected for the 1944 U.S. Olympic team; however, the Games were cancelled due to World War II.
After his playing career ended in the 1950's, Don was a high school teacher and coach in Ohio, Tennessee, and South Florida. He taught and coached for many years at Norland High School, in Miami, FL, where he coached both boys and girls basketball. He coached the boys team to an appearance in the State Finals. Don and his wife owned racing greyhounds--which included Ruling Gun, one of the best racers in his era. Don also served as President of the Andover Civic Association.
He is survived by his daughter Marnie Grate (Bill Becker), son D. Jeffrey (Barbara) Grate, sister Carolyn Bainter; granddaughters Alexandra and Morgan Grate; as well as his loving companion Louise Musumeci. Don is preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, brothers Carl, John Edward, Joseph, and Ronald and sisters Margorie and Mildred. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home in Hollywood on Saturday, December 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Service at 5:00 PM.

Tributes

Steve wrote on Dec 26, 2014:

"I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. May you find comfort from your memories, as well as God's word the Bible. Why do people we love die? Romans 5:12 says: "That is why, just as through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned." How loving of God to promise what is found at Revelation 21:4 which says, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore, the former things have passed away. "

A. Bell wrote on Dec 9, 2014:

"I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. May you find comfort from your memories, as well as God's word the bible. Why do people we love die? Romans 5:12 says: "That is why, just as through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned." How loving of God to promise what is found at Revelation 21:4 which says, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." See also www.jw.org. "

Michael Cheatham wrote on Dec 6, 2014:

"It is with great sadness I write regarding the passing of Coach Grate. I had the privilege of playing for him at Norland Sr. High in 1966-67. I have great admiration for him and great respect for him as a coach, for his personal accomplishments , and as an educator. Rest in peace, coach. You'll not be forgotten!"

Ines Lever, R.N. wrote on Dec 1, 2014:

"My sincere condolences to Marnie, Jeff, and to everyone who knew and loved Don Grate."

The Mack Family wrote on Nov 30, 2014:

"We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Donald. May you be comforted by loving memories of him. We know that the loss of a love one brings much grief and agony. However, our Loving Heavenly Father is near to us when we are broken hearted. Psalms 34:18. For comfort on the death of a loved one, follow the link: http://www.jw.org/finder?locale=en&docid=1102013500&prefer=lang"

Fred Hunter Memorial Services wrote on Nov 30, 2014:

"Please accept my sincere condolences. Losing a loved one in death is heartbreaking. I hope you find solace in the future promise that God gives at Isaiah 25:8 where it says, " He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. ""

Laguna Family wrote on Nov 29, 2014:

"We are so sorry for the loss of your dear Donald and our heartfelt sympathy to the family. May you always remember the beautiful memories shared and keep the hope of seeing your beloved one again in the near future. God promises that "those in the memorial tombs will hear Jesus' voice and come out" John 5:28. May you find peace and comfort in God's loving words to us."