On Monday, August 16, 2021, our community sadly lost a pillar when Sharon M. Priebe (formerly Neal and Tinker), unexpectedly passed away in Venice, Florida.
Sharon moved with her mother from Wayne, Michigan when she was 5 years old but always considered herself a “Grayling Girl.” In 1966 she met and married Danny Tinker of Grayling and together they had one son, Charles. After an amicable divorce, Sharon fell in love with Ray Priebe, and they married in 1981 where they spent over 30 years happily together.
Sharon and Ray opened many successful businesses including the Arrowhead, Grayling Outdoor Products and River Valley Tool & Die. However, Sharon was most known for her service to the local government and her contributions to the community. She was the District 2 County Commissioner since 2013 and served on many boards including law enforcement chairperson, Community Corrections, Grayling Recreation Authority, library, Road Commission, and served as an alternate to the Sports Complex. She also served as a member to the Chamber of Commerce.
From the early 1990’s until just a few years ago Sharon and her late husband Ray were a dominate force in the Clydesdale industry with one of the best breeding and showing program in North America and Canada. Even after selling the rest of her gentle giants, she continued to be a part of the Clydesdale world by judging shows and remaining a part of the close-knit Clydesdale family.
Sharon is survived by the loving community of Grayling and her son, Charles (Kimberly) Tinker of Grayling, 2 stepsons: Ray Priebe of Lansing and Steve Priebe of Grayling. Her grandchildren David, Daniel, and Austin Priebe, Kevin King, Jordan and Cameron Tinker along with 7 great-grandchildren.
Sharon is survived by one sister, Gretchen Davis of Venice, Florida and one brother, John Woolford of Grayling. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Ray Priebe, her brother Bruce Neal and Edward Glinski, her close sister-in-law Dianna Neal Laughton along with her parents Elmer Neal and Pauline Woolford.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached but never met. Share your stories of remembrance at her Celebration of Life on Friday, September 17, 2021, at 1:00 PM at the American Legion in Grayling.
Sharon has requested that in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the AuSable Valley Animal Shelter at PO Box 384 Grayling MI
