Summarizing the main tips/apps I discovered in spending hours setting up first Android Phone as a former iPhone Power (Jailbreak) User. Note, I forgot to mention must have are also GoSMSPro, SwiftKey 3 (for ICS and Touchwiz users), and Smart Lock to lock individual apps. Note this is on a Samsung S3 (S-Voice is specific to Samsung.)
Other apps mentioned:
Widget Locker – More Lockscreen configuration options
Nova Launcher – More Home screen config options
Calendar Snooze – Repeating…
Minimalistic lock screen? You so many shortcuts