Gary Mudge

Gary Mudge born May 2nd 1950, in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were Kenneth Mudge and Ruth Sebastian. He was the oldest of 5 children. He had 3 brothers, Terry, Brad, and Randy, and 1 sister, Darlene. He grew up in the Berkley area, and graduated Berkley High School in 1968. He worked hard from a young age. Definitely a hustler. His 1st job was a newspaper route delivering newspapers. He then worked at Farmer Jacks Grocery store and worked his way up to being the produce manager. He left Farmer Jacks to pursue a career in carpentry. He learned a lot but knew that wasn’t the path he wanted to take. He always had a love for motorcycles, and boating. He left his carpentry job, and was hired by Anderson Sales and Service, cleaning motorcycles. He worked his way up to being the general manager of the dealership. He helped build Andersons into the world’s largest motorcycle dealership, selling 2,000 motorcycles a month. He worked there for 18 years. He dreamed of owning his own dealership, so he left Andersons to open his own business. M59 Sports Center. He sold Yamaha motorcycles and powersport products, Smokercraft, Thundercraft, Playtime Boats, and lawn and garden equipment. He was very proud of his business. Gary was not a fan of the cold Michigan winters though. In 1991 he moved to Florida. North Miami Beach. He worked there for 4 years, managing 3 powersport dealerships. He then moved to a more family-friendly area in 1994. Orange Park FL, a suburb of Jacksonville. He ran another large powersport and boat dealership, Purcells Motorcycle and Marine World. He worked there for 9 years. He then wanted to open his own business again. So he did. Big Dog Marine. He had several lines of boats and was a huge part of selling an up and coming new brand of motorcycles and scooters, United Motors of America. He was so proud of his business, and the opportunity to help build a new motorcycle company. He had to close his business in 2011 due to health issues. But he helped his son Ken run his dealership in Green Cove Springs FL, Captain Ken’s Boats & More, for almost 13 years. Gary lived a full life. He loved working. He truly did something he loved, so it wasn’t like work. He was a great water skier and enjoyed boating very much. Huge parties every weekend at his lake house in Michigan. He had is famous Mudge burgers they would talk about on the rock radio station. He traveled a lot when he was young. He rode his motorcycle from Detroit to California 2 times. Rode up and down the east coast. Rode in Canada some to. He had so many stories from selling Bob Seger his motorcycles, to having dinner with Prince. Many more stories to. Gary loved to golf. He became a big sports fan. Loved football. His son Ken played and now coaches football. Gary never missed a game that he played in, or a game that he coached, over his 14-year coaching career. Gary was a great dad. He was a best friend too. You couldn’t have asked for a better dad. He had 2 children. 1 boy and 1 girl. Shannon and Ken. Very supportive. He also had 2 grandchildren. Twins. Dylan and Delaney. He was very proud of his 2 grandkids. Dylan is attending Michigan State University. And Delaney works with kids that have autism. He always talked about how proud he was of his kids and grandkids. He was married 2 times. His first wife Jackie and his second wife Dorothy. He maintained a good friendship with both. Something he was proud of as well. He is survived by his 2 children, and 2 grandchildren. Gary passed away March 26, 2025. He battled lung cancer and infections. He was very tough through it all. He fought hard till the end. He didn’t lose the fight, he’s just letting someone else fight now. I know as his son I couldn’t be more proud of him. He is by far the toughest person I know. He was strong in his faith. He told me he was not afraid, and he knew where he was going. I know he is flying high looking down on us. The family will continue to make you proud. Rest in peace my friend. Gary Mudge. May 2, 1950 - March 26, 2025.