Donald William Granger

Donald William Granger, a.k.a “Poppy,” 91 years old, entered peacefully into the presence of Jesus at his home in Clayton, NC on January 21st 2025. Poppy was born to Francis and Rose Granger on April, 18th 1933 in Troy, NY. Poppy graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1951. Poppy spent four years in the armed services (Army) and attained the rank of Corporal. After his military service Poppy went to work for Norton Company in Watervliet, NY as a machine operator where he worked for over 35 years and retired in 1992.

In 1949 Poppy met the love of his life, Phyllis Mastan, at the roller-skating rink and they were happily married nine years later in 1957 and enjoyed 67 blessed years together. They went on to have two children, Jodi Sterling of Clayton, NC, and Don Granger Jr. of Clayton NC. Poppy enjoyed many outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, camping and snowmobiling. He spent the majority of his outdoor life at the Round Mt. Game Club in Hague, NY where he enjoyed over forty years of amazing adventures with many great friends.

Poppy also enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved watching his grandkids play sports and he and his wife Phyllis loved to travel to Atlantic City, Florida, and did a three-month cross-country adventure in their RV ending up in Alaska. Poppy and his wife “Nanny” loved to dance for many years and won many Jitterbug competitions. Poppy also loved to stay active and up to the end of 2024 he was going to the gym three days a week. Poppy loved to cook and bake, watch his hummingbirds in the feeder. He loved doing jigsaw puzzles with his family and watching television alongside his wife.

Poppy is survived by his wife Phyllis Granger, his brother Jerry Granger, as well as his two children Jodi Sterling and her husband Rich Sterling, and Donny Granger and his wife Jennifer Granger, five grandchildren, Jacob and Drew Granger, Caden and Joslyn Narron, Kristin Desautels and her husband Ken Desautels, and two great-children Kenny and Rhiannon Desautels. Poppy was predeceased by his mother and father, Francis and Rose Granger, as well as his brother Frank (Ug) Granger.

No funeral services will be held at this time. The family will hold a celebration of life event for close family members in the near future.