Hello.

I am Sue Crady. I was born in Jamestown, Tennessee, and moved to Fairborn, Ohio, in 1964. I graduated from Fairborn High School, Modina’s College of Cosmetology, and John Hondrus School of Real Estate. I’ve been an entrepreneur my whole life.

My late husband, Jerry Crady, was an air traffic controller stationed at Wright Patt AFB in Ohio. He served his country for 32 years in the Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Together, we lived in Okinawa, moved around the U.S., and ended up living in Port Charlotte, Florida, for the last 20+ years. Throughout my life, I owned my own beauty salon, became a realtor, and was a leader in community organizations, as well as being a devoted wife and mother. I have two wonderful children, Tim (and Kerri) and Kimberly (and Chris Hendren). I also have two grandchildren (Ryan and Taryn) and three more boys from Kerri (Evan, Eli and Ian).

After retirement, Jerry and I became more involved and instrumental in the planning and execution of the Southwest Florida International Air Show and other air shows in the U.S. and abroad. I organized the logistics for the pilots, and Jerry was an Air Boss, controlling the air acts. In Florida, Jerry joined the Elks initially to play on the softball traveling team, and then he loved the social aspect of it, so he introduced me and his friends to the organization. Over the years, we made friends around the world and enjoyed 54 loving years of an unforgettable marriage and life together.

Soon after I joined the Elks, I quickly became an integral part of the Ladies of Elks. Right away, I stepped into several leadership roles: LOE board member, House Committee member and volunteer, and I held the LOE President position for three terms at Deep Creek Lodge #2763. My team and I supported fundraisers for the Florida Elks Youth Camp and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services, and we collected donations that supported autism. In 2025-2026, our lodge was again awarded No. 1 in the state for Unmasking Autism lodge donations. In addition, I had always been deeply touched by those close to me who were affected by breast cancer, so I felt the desire to head a fundraiser during my last term to support the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. I am proud of the generosity of my lodge, where we raised and donated more than $12,000 to support the foundation. None of these remarkable events and donations could’ve happened without your ongoing support. It’s always been in my nature to help and make great things happen, so I’m honored to have been the recipient of the Leadership Award, Elk of the Year and honorary lifetime member.

It’s a privilege for me to step into the role of FLOE President for 2026-2027! The intelligent dolphin is a symbol of balance, communication, empathy, harmony, joy and teamwork. Therefore, I’ve chosen this animal as my personal guide this term. I believe that with these traits and an engaged team, or pod, when we focus on one purpose, we will achieve shared success! Let the qualities of the dolphin remind us all to work together as we flow through this time of growth.

Sue Crady