Benjamin “Ben” Ray Grandstaff, a devoted husband, father, mentor, and builder of both businesses and people, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on March 16, 2026, in Connerton (Spring Hill), Florida, where he most recently resided, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 72.

Born on May 14, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio, Ben was a longtime resident of Marengo, Ohio, where his roots, values, and work ethic were first established; and, where he raised his family and contributed to the growth of his community. Ben was raised with the values of hard work, independence, and resilience—principles that would define his life and legacy. He carried those values with him in everything he did, building not only successful ventures, but a family grounded in strength, love, and ambition.

Ben’s love story with his wife, Tamara “Tamie” Lee (Bragg) Grandstaff, was the foundation of everything. Together, they built a partnership defined by strength, loyalty, and unwavering commitment. Their relationship set the standard for what love, resilience, and partnership should look like. To Tamie, he was her rock, her protector, her greatest source of strength, and her lifelong partner, the person who made it possible to face and overcome life’s challenges.

He was a proud and deeply invested father. He is survived by his children: Corey (Arabia) Grandstaff, Dustin Grandstaff, Crystal (Don) Nott, and Jeremy (Jerry) Grandstaff. Each of his children carries forward a different piece of who he was.

For Corey, Dad will always be his hero—the man who could fix anything, solve any problem, and always find a way forward. Dustin reflects on his calm, thoughtful presence; his unmatched ability to think strategically and navigate life with wisdom and precision; and, his commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to achieve their greatest success. Crystal embodies his instinct for knowing when to teach, coach, or mentor, and valued both his programmatic and creative approach to life. Jeremy models a father who was always present listening, solving problems before they were fully spoken, and exhibiting what it means to live with integrity, humility, pride, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence.

He is survived by his siblings: Harry Grandstaff; Cindy (Craig) Capwell; John (Sigi) Grandstaff; Jeff (Christy) Grandstaff; and Vicky (Derek) Kurzenknabe; his father-in-law, Glenn Bragg.

Ben held a special place in his heart for his extended family. He is survived by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews whom he loved deeply and influenced in meaningful ways. To them, he was more than an uncle that attended their events and games—he was a steady presence, a mentor, and a source of guidance.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Grandstaff and Nelly (Lowry) Grandstaff of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and his mother-in-law Virginia (Diefenbach) Bragg.

Ben was an entrepreneur. Over the course of his life, he, and his wife Tamie, built and operated multiple businesses, including running Ross Brothers Salvage, establishing the first trash and recycling station in Central Ohio, running a septic tank hauling business, owning S & G Stables, owning S&G Feed & Supply, serving as a contractor for the Ohio State Quarter Horse Congress, raising and breeding horses, managing properties, owning Andys Travel Trailor and Resort, and mentoring others as they launched and grew their own businesses. Ben and Tamie also are the proud co-owners with Ava Gardner of Dynamic Breeze, a stallion who has produced many world champions and who was inducted into the IBHA Hall of Fame in 2025, who currently stands at LBQH Stallion station in Brooksville, Florida. Ben had a remarkable ability to see opportunities where others saw obstacles—and more importantly, he knew how to act on them.

What set Ben apart wasn’t just what he built; it was how he built people. He coached, challenged, and developed those around him, often seeing their potential before they did. As he often said, “I’m not going to tell you how to do it. But bring me potential solutions, and I’ll help you figure out how to make it happen.” That philosophy shaped not only his children, but countless others who benefited from his guidance.

“If something broke, you didn’t call someone—you called Ben. And by the time you finished explaining the problem, he already had a plan.” That wasn’t just a saying—it didn’t matter what the challenge was. He was the one people turned to, the one who could see a way forward when others couldn’t.

Beyond his work and family, Ben was deeply connected to his community. While in Marengo, he and Tamie started the B Bar T 4H Club, played a key role in the success and growth of the Morrow County Fair, and always supported various associations within the Highland School District, which continued long after his own children graduated. He was actively involved with the Ohio State Quarter Horse Racing association, Ohio State Buckskin Association, and the International Buckskin Association, serving in leadership roles including board positions and event coordination. His commitment and impact were recognized in 2025 when he and Tamie received the IBHA Lifetime Achievement Award—an honor that reflected decades of dedication to the organizations and the people within them.

Ben found joy in traveling with his wife, watching Ohio State football, showing horses, and tackling any challenge related to construction, landscaping, maintenance, or problem-solving of any kind. There was very little he couldn’t figure out—and even less he wouldn’t try. He brought that same mindset to life: no problem too big, no challenge too complex.

Those who knew Ben consistently say the same things: he was the man who could do anything, the one who always saw the bigger picture, and the one who helped others rise to meet their potential. He set a standard—not just in what he achieved, but in how he showed up. He was the kind of father every child hopes to have, and the kind of partner or friend every person hopes to find.

His legacy is not only in the businesses he built or the organizations he served, but in the people he shaped, the standards he set, and the love he gave so fully. His family—and all who knew him in the community—are better because of him.

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held from 2-5 PM on May 9^th at Highland Elementary School in Sparta, Ohio. A private graveside service for the family is scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages honoring Ben’s memory by investing in others, solving problems with determination, showing up fully for the people who matter most, donating to a charity which supports kids sports and activities, or to support research and finding a future cure for Cancer (see https://www.charitywatch.org/top-rated-charities/cancer

He didn’t just build a life—he set the bar. And for everyone who knew him, that bar will continue to guide how we live, how we lead, and how we show up for the people who matter most.