John L. Grubbs

If anyone should ever write my life story—for whatever reason—this is what it would say: I was born John Lee Grubbs on June 29, 1951, to the late James B. and Rosalyn A. Grubbs in Zellwood, Florida. Life was not always easy, especially when I was young and attending college. My parents and siblings worked in the fields and orange groves to help me get by. With God’s help, all things are possible. I attended Frederick Douglass Elementary School from 1st through 6th grade, after which I attended Phyllis Wheatley Middle and High School, graduating in 1969. During my time at Phyllis Wheatley, I played football and earned the nickname “The Fabulous Thunderbolt.” Following graduation, I continued my educational journey at Valencia Junior College, completing my studies in 1972. I then matriculated to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)—located on the highest of the seven hills in Tallahassee, Florida. At FAMU, the greatest HBCU in America, where they “Strike, Strike, and Strike Again!”, I quickly adapted to campus life. Early on, I became quite a pool shark, learning to shoot pool well enough to help pay my school tuition. Hustle had to start early! I proudly graduated from the School of Pharmacy in 1976. As you can see, I loved my Wheatley Panthers and my FAMU Rattlers. After completing my studies, I wasted no time in pursuing my professional path. I studied for and passed the State of Florida Pharmacy Board Exam, earning my pharmacist license. My first job was in Fort Myers, Florida, working for Eckerd Drugs, beginning what would become a 40+ year career in pharmacy. Over the ensuing decades, I was privileged to work for several drug store chains, including SuperX Drugs, Walgreens, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Winn-Dixie. Most recently, I worked for Clermont Family Pharmacy and CareNow Pharmacy. Would you believe—I was called into work during the first week of December! I would have gone, too, but my lovely wife refused to drive me because I was simply too weak. (She always knew best, well, sometimes) During this time, my personal life also flourished. I met my beautiful wife, Ms. Henrietta Claudette Davis-Grubbs, in 1979, and we spent 44 wonderful years together as husband and wife. We were blessed with three amazing children: our sons Brandon (Randi) and Brian (Michelle), both of Apopka, Florida, and our daughter Dr. Chantel Grubbs (Coming Soon) of Apopka, Florida. I also leave behind three precious grandchildren: Cameron, Caden, and Brayden Grubbs. I was preceded in death by my parents, James and Rosalyn Grubbs; my brother, Edwin David Grubbs; my in-laws, James and Rena Davis; brothers-in-law, Aubrey Davis and James L. Johnson; and my good friend, Mr. Rodney Reynolds—along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends I am survived by my brother, Mr. Julian Grubbs (his wife Shelly) of El Paso, Texas; my sister, Ms. Carol Grubbs-Johnson of Zellwood, Florida; and my brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: James Davis (his wife Sybila) of Arizona, Larry Davis of Trilby, Florida, Starlee Alexander of Florence, South Carolina, Virginia Grubbs, the wife of my late brother, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, and Betty Davis of Dade City, Florida. I was blessed with several very good friends, including Mr. Dan Davis, Mr. Gregory Brown, Sr., Mr. Gerald Cunningham, and Mr. Lee Hill, all of Orlando, Florida. To all of you in attendance today, thank you for coming and for supporting my family. To Brandon, Brian, and Chantel, now, Dad must go and take his rest. I did my best to give your mother, as well as you all, what you needed—and even some of what you wanted. I was never disappointed in you all; you made me proud to the very end. I supported you unconditionally, always. Claudette, you held my hand, cried, walked the floors through the night, and did everything you could to ease my pain. There is no more pain and no more suffering. But know this: I will love you forever. I know you will grieve for me. But I must ask you—please take care of each other. I have simply transitioned to my heavenly home. Also now, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.” ~Job 16:19

Tributes

John L. Grubbs

June 29, 1951 - December 29, 2025