by Jeani G.

On January 18th a celebration of life was held for Russell “Grizzly” Grandshaw, or as many of you know him, the “Beef Jerky King”. His beloved Linda “Mother Nature” hosted the beautiful event at the Seminole Fraternal Order of Eagles #4147 in St. Petersburg, FL.

Originally from upstate New York, Grizzly was a Veteran who proudly served in the US Navy as a Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman (HTFN). He settled in Pinellas Park Florida where he owned and operated a successful roofing business and he and Linda became longtime residents and motorcycle enthusiasts. Grizzly was larger than life … he always had a welcoming, infectious smile for friends and strangers alike. He loved to cook and often did so for community and charity events where he’d feed hundreds of people, as well as get-togethers with friends! Grizzly made the best beef jerky by far … unique in that he thinly sliced sirloin bottom round and smoked it in actual wood-burning ovens.

Gator Ken and I first met Grizzly and Linda about 26 years ago at Nova Campground in Port Orange during Bike Week; we had so much fun riding, watching concerts, cooking and telling stories around the campfire, that we all kept the same campsites for many years and became fast friends. Our group of campers included Foot & Kim, Doug & Connie, Al & Sharon, Steve & Bev, Ed & Jeri, Billy & Susie, Fred & Mary, Shovelhead & Deb, Brenda & Eddie, Junkyard, Buzz, Dawn, Tina, Frankie and too many more to mention. Over the years, we’ve lost several friends from this group, but they all live on within our hearts and memories.

It was really nice to see and catch up with our Nova Campground crew albeit the circumstances … so many wonderful memories of the great times we shared … ride free Grizzly, you’re forever in our hearts! More pictures from the day can be found on Thunder Roads Florida Facebook page – just look under photos for the album called “Grizzly’s Celebration of Life Jan2025”.