Denzel Gross

E. Denzel Gross, age 91, of Sterling Heights, Michigan died peacefully at home early Wednesday morning, Nov 09, 2022, from natural causes. The love of his life and wife of 69 years, Nita, was with him, as was their daughter, Terri.

Denzel was born May 17, 1931, in Lillybrook, West Virginia, to Noah Gross and Elizabeth Barker. He and his twin brother, Lenzel, were the third and fourth of Elizabeth’s five children.

Denzel was raised in the coal fields around Beckley, West Virginia, and held a full-time job in high school as the sole breadwinner supporting himself, his mother, and his 3-year-old sister. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, class of 1949. After graduation, Denzel moved with his mother and sister to Detroit. He worked two jobs to pay the bills, ensuring his mother and sister never went without. Responsibility was part of Denzel’s DNA.

In early 1953, one of Denzel’s co-workers, Charles, said ‘Denny, all you ever do is work; you need to have some fun. My cousin, Nita, is having her 18th birthday party next week, why don’t come with me?’ Denzel initially said ‘no’, but Charles kept asking. He finally relented and on April 07, Denzel met his future wife.

Denzel and Nita were married on Dec 12, 1953, at the Van Dyke Church of Christ. This was the start of Denzel’s membership within the church; he remained an active member at Van Dyke throughout his life, including years as an Elder and Treasurer.

Denzel was a US Army veteran and spent his working years at Chrysler Engineering, retiring in May 1991. He loved classic American cars, especially Packards, and often attended area car shows with his kids. He and Nita loved to travel, taking the family on vacations every year. A highlight the family still talks about was the one-month long trip to California in their Chrysler station wagon with travel trailer in 1970.

Upon his and Nita’s retirement, they purchased a motorhome and spent the next 20 years criss-crossing the country; seeing America, and visiting Church of Christ congregations along the way. Denzel’s love of family grew with each grandchild: Derek, Jody, Carly, Brandon and Lisa, who often travelled with their ‘Papa and Granny’.

When it came to being a good man, a good husband, a good father, and a good Christian, Denzel didn’t just say the right things, he lived by example. He walked the walk: every – single - day. Denzel’s impact will reverberate through the lives of his family, his church family, and the many people whose lives he touched. He was much loved and will be sorely missed.

Denzel is survived by his wife, Nita Gross, his children Terri, Roger (Debbie), and Gina (Susan). His grandchildren, Derek, Carly (Neal), Jody (Patrick), and Lisa (Nick). His great grandchildren Fisher, Kane, Jordan and Fletcher.

He is preceded in death by his father, Noah Gross, mother Elizabeth Barker, sisters Helen Hancock and Patricia Woodard, brother Noah Gross, Jr., twin brother, Lenzel, and grandson, Brandon Fletcher.

Visitation Tuesday, November 15th from 2pm until time of Funeral Service at 6pm at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, in Warren. Burial to take place at Christian Memorial Cultural Center in Rochester Hills In lieu of flowers, he would appreciate a donation be made to the Van Dyke Church of Christ so it may continue its good work, or to the charity of your choice.