Gordon Edward Granger Jr.

GRANGER, Gordon Edward “Gus” Jr. passed away peacefully on March 2, 2017, a loving father, grandfather, and friend – to most who knew him, a role model, mentor, and hero. He was born on October 3, 1924, in Nazareth, Pennsylvania to Gordon E. Granger Sr. and Martha Credella Koch. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Lucille Marie Derbyshire, whom he married on December 21, 1946, and always referred to as “the best thing that ever happened to him.”

Mr. Granger served in the 5th Division of Patton’s 3rd Army, Headquarters Company, in Intelligence and Reconnaissance. He entered World War II on the beaches of Normandy in July 1944. He was wounded in Corny, France, while charting enemy positions behind enemy lines, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His service to his country defined his life and prepared him for a life of service after returning from the war.

After the war, Mr. Granger attended Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University), where he played baseball and basketball. He played semi-pro baseball for several years and spent time as a scout for the Milwaukee Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. In 1949, he and Lucille moved to Richmond where he was able to use his degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for many years as a District Manager for Federal Pacific Electric Company. He also served as the Executive Secretary of the Richmond Electric League.

Mr. Granger was committed to serving his Lord and his community. He was a Sunday school teacher and youth leader and served multiple terms as a deacon at Lakeside Baptist Church. He served on the Henrico County Board of Zoning Appeals. He was a coach for numerous youth athletic teams and a key leader in the early days of the Laurel Youth Football Association, the Metro Youth Football League and the Glen Allen Youth Athletic Association. He was President of the PTAs at Holliday Elementary School and Hermitage High School. For over 30 years he was a supporter of Hermitage athletics, 12 of which he announced the HHS football games and was known as the “Voice of the Panthers.” In 1995, Gus was inducted into the inaugural class of the Hermitage Hall of Fame (the only member who did not attend the school). Gus was respected for his integrity, quick wit, and selfless nature.

Following his retirement, he spent hours on Lake Anna with his family and prized boat. He loved music and usually had a CD or the music channel playing while living at Lakewood Manor. If not, he was more than willing to sing songs from the 40’s for you.Mr. Granger was committed to serving his Lord and his community. He is survived by his children, Gail Warren (Jim), Steve Granger (Beth) and Doug Granger (Anne); as well as his grandchildren, Jessica Rogers (Bryan), Newman Granger, Scott Granger (Johnny), Jesse Granger Izquierdo (Julian), Gordon Granger and Ben Granger, and his great-grandson, Palmer Rogers.

The family will welcome friends at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., Thursday, March 9, 2017, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Second Baptist Church, River Road and Gaskins, on Friday, March 10, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Westhampton Memorial Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Lakewood Manor for the loving care of their father. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Second Baptist Church in his honor. Condolences may be left at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.