SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. George Robert Grange, 91, passed away Sept. 3, 2008. He was born Nov. 24, 1916, in Merrill, son of George A. and Jennie S. Grange. George worked the family farm until age 16, when he left to attend the University of Maine, graduating in 1937 with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics. There he made many lifelong friends, including the love of his life, Lucille Bell. She predeceased him two years ago in their 67th year of marriage. George served his country as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps on an LST in the Pacific during World War II, and concluded 39 years of distinguished service at the Department of Agriculture as the assistant under secretary for marketing. He and Lucille moved to Sun City Center, Fla., in 1976, where they were founding members of Caloosa Greens Golf Club and were among the first residents to move to Freedom Plaza in 1992. George also helped found the first Sun City Center Volunteer Fire Department in 1980, Sun City Center Guardianship Foundation Inc. in 1988 and Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund Inc. in 1996. He is survived by his daughter, Gail Charap and son-in-law, Alan Charap, of California; by daughter, Terry Straight and son-in-law, Mike Straight, of Virginia; by son, George II “Chip” and daughter-in-law, Kathy, of Maryland; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jean Sawyer, whom he had just visited in Houlton; many loving nieces and nephews. George devoted his life with much success to serving his family and his community, generously hosting for 25 years an annual family gathering at the Outer Banks, N.C., for the growing clan. George set a high bar as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, diligent and organized worker, lay leader at United Community Church, leader of many community services, faithful golf and bridge buddy, and caring friend to many. His constant outward focus was evident to all who knew him, beginning with his growing progeny, now numbering 39, to whom his thoughtful birthday and anniversary cards and generous checks would come like clockwork. A memorial service will take place noon Saturday, Oct. 18, at Freedom Plaza. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to LifePath Hospice of Sun City Center or to Freedom Plaza Scholarship Fund. Zipperer’s Funeral Home.