OBITUARY
Michael Vance Grant Sr.
December 3, 1948 – April 23, 2011
Michael Vance Grant, Sr., age 62, born 1948 in Rome, Georgia, passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 23, 2011. Mike and family moved to LaGrange, Georgia and he graduated from LaGrange High School. He began his work career with Textron and continued until 1980 when moving to Chattanooga, he and his brother Tony, started Grant and Associates, a Human Resource Consulting Firm. Mike always enjoyed helping others and did this through many civic organizations: The Boy Scouts, The Jaycees, President of the Hamilton Place Rotary Club, and the Signal Mountain Lions. His love for soccer was demonstrated with his dedication of developing Middle Valley Soccer and the Riverbend Soccer Festival. His dedication to the growth of Signal Crest United Methodist Church is shown through his involvement in many capacities. Mike is survived by his soul mate of 43 years, Tillie; son, M. Vance Grant, Jr. (Robyn); daughter, Cori (Patrick); mother-in-law, Mattie Williams; sister, Mary (Rick); brother, Bob, Jr. (Trish); brother-in-law, Ben (Cher), and the loves of his life, the special grandchildren, Mike III, Ella, Kit, and Charlie and by his nieces and nephew and other family members. He will be especially missed by his chocolate lab, Maggie. Mike loved God, Church and Family with his all at every moment. For all who knew him, renew your faith; hold your family close and love life as he would. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Signal Crest United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1005 Ridgeway Ave, Signal Mtn., TN 37377 or to the Mountain Education Foundation, 4425 Shackleford Ridge Road, Signal Mtn., TN 37377. The Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, April 27 at 3 p.m. at Signal Crest United Methodist Church on Taft Highway with Rev. C. Mark Gooden officiating. The family will meet with friends and relatives from 1 to 3 p.m. Serving as honorary pallbearers are, Al Brannon, Tom Knight, Ray Boaz, George Simmons, Glenn Hobbs, Scott Robertson, Marshall Mize, Bill Heck Dr. Mike Wood, Owen Maddux, and Larry Richey. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist.
Services
- Visitation Wednesday, April 27, 2011
- Memorial Service Wednesday, April 27, 2011
REMEMBERING
Michael Vance Grant Sr.
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RECEIVE UPDATEScolby comer
May 20, 2011
Aunt Tillie,I really loved Uncle Mike. He was a great uncle and a good man.He always had a smile on his face wherever he was.He will always be missed and our family will always be in my prayers love to all.
Suzanne Maharry
May 19, 2011
I did not know Michael but I know Mary, his sister. I remember when we were in the eighth grade and Mary brought pictures of Michael and Tillie to school. Mary was so proud of her brothers. The pride in her voice and the look on her face when she spoke of Michael and Tillie was priceless. I will always remember Mary, my friend. I am truly sorry for the loss of this big brother. I know he was loved.
Deidre Reason
May 10, 2011
Tillie, I just found out the heartbreaking news about Mike. You and your family are in my prayers for the comfort, strength and peace that only God can give. My memories of Mike are of a genuinely friendly, caring person - always with a smile for everyone! I love you, Tillie.
mary gregory
May 9, 2011
There are no words to express the sadness that I feel. He was a great big brother and the rock of the family. I know that he is in heaven with mom, dad and brother Tony. That is the one thing that will keep me going and knowing I will see them again one day. I pray for you Tillie, Vance, and Cori that each day will be a little easier for you. Just always remember how much he loved his family. I will always love all of you.
Tim Hunt
May 4, 2011
Vance Jr. and (extended) family,
So sorry that your Dad left you so suddenly. His love for you shines through you - may his faith and yours be a comfort during this season of Resurrection.
With heartfelt sympathy -
Megan Helton
May 2, 2011
Mike Grant always made me feel so important and well-loved. He was a great man, consistently. I'm so sorry for your loss Cori, Tillie and Vance.
Rosalie Basten
May 1, 2011
I was shocked to hear about Mike. My soccer years are full with fond memories and even though we didn't share golf memories we DID reconnect as a result. I am so sorry for your loss.
April 30, 2011
Tillie, my heart goes out to you and your family.
Hugs and Love, Deborah Newell Reddy
April 29, 2011
Tillie, I was so sorry to hear about Mike. I had just reconnected with him in the last few weeks. I had written to tell him how much you and him had meant to me in my early years. We had planned to stay in touch, and I was looking forward to coming to Tenn. this summer and let you both met my wife. I cannot express my shock when I read it in the paper the other day. He was a special man and a friend. Our prayers are with you and the family. I know I will see Mike again and celebrate in a better place.
With Love and Sympathy
Jerry Parkerson
Heather Grant-Davis
April 29, 2011
Tillie, Cori and Vance,
I am so sorry for the loss of Uncle Mike. I know that this will be a time of struggle for you all. However, know that he will be with you always. Memories in the heart are never forgotten. Thank you so much for welcoming me with open arms into the Grant family. You all have been a blessing.
Whitney Drayer
April 28, 2011
Tillie, Cori and Vance.
I loved Mike Grant. I am lucky to have known him. Kelly and I were honored to attend his celebration of life yesterday afternoon and are still laughing and crying today.
Cozy Mitchell
April 28, 2011
Dear Tillie and Cori, and Vance,
I was shocked and saddened by the news about Mike. I will always have the fondest memories of his wonderful smile and positive attitude. I know he will be greatly missed by all his friends and family. One of my fondest memories of Mike is leading me around Knoxville in a high speed chase to make a soccer match! We were both lost as loons and I had a van full of singing soccer players! I just loved him! Please know you all are in my prayers and the only good part of this is that Mike is dancing in Heaven with Jesus! Love, Cozy
April 27, 2011
My dearest Tillie. Words cannot express my sadness over the death of your beloved Mike. I have not, personally, experienced the death of a spouse, but have however experienced the death of my child. I will be here for you, Honey, all you have to do is call. Steve knows how to reach me! Love and miss you lots. I am keeping you in my thoughts, prayers, and forever in my heart. I love you, jan
Sherrie Moore
April 27, 2011
Tillie, I was friends with Mary in LaGrange when we were in the 6th grade and Mike and Tony were 10th and 12th grade. I remember when you two started dating and Mike had a ribbon from your hair from every date hanging from his light in his room. know you were loved by a special man. My prayers are with you and your family in your loss.
April 27, 2011
Tillie, Since Vivian and I first met you and Mike in 1969, you and your family have become a very wonderful part of our life. It was a tremendous shock when I came home and Vivian told me about Mike. Please know that we love you and we are Praying for you during these most difficult times. May God sustain you and the family with His Grace.
With Love and Sympathy,
Bro. Fred & Vivian
Pat and Lisa Hagan
April 27, 2011
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.(Ralph Waldo Emerson). Mike Succeeded in every way.
Donna Grant
April 27, 2011
I hope you have already seen the butterflies! They will come often to remind you that Mike is near.
He will always be close by, like the little butterflies.
They will bring you respite from grief and renew your faith in God’s plan, because it is faith that will keep you strong, not trying to understand why.
I am blessed to have known Mike, and call him brother. He has been such an inspiration to so many, and will live on in our hearts forever. I am honored to share your last name; what a wonderful family you have been to me. God bless you today and always.
I love you.
Pat Hagan
April 27, 2011
Martha Hagan
April 27, 2011
I am stunned without words to convey my innermost feelings of sorrow for
such a loss to each and every one of his loving family, and unequivocally for his dog Maggie, as she expresses in her own sorrowful
ways.
Sincerely,
Martha Hagan
Martha Hagan
April 27, 2011
I am stunned without words to convey my innermost feelings of sorrow for
such a loss to each and every one of his loving family, and unequivocally for his dog Maggie, as she expresses in her own sorrowful ways.
Sincerely,
Martha Hagan
Aaron Liggitt
April 27, 2011
I consider it a blessing to have had Mike (and all of the Grant's) in my life, and he will sorely be missed. My heart goes out to all of you, and I will keep y'all in my prayers.
Kathy Grahmann (Blaschke)
April 27, 2011
I am so sorry for the loss of Mike. I remember how kind, loving, and nurturing he always was with us when we were little. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Amy (Blaschke) Abramowitz
April 26, 2011
I am deeply saddened that we have lost another Grant Brother. I always thought of Mike as another uncle. I will cherish the memories of the many get togethers in Chattanooga and am especially thankful that we were able to visit with the whole family in South Carolina at the Riverdogs baseball game two summers ago. Our love and prayers are with your family.
April 26, 2011
We're so saddened by the sudden loss of a great Dad and grandfather and husband by the Grant family. Cori is married to my nephew Patrick, and I ache for you Cori, and your sweet children who will miss Mr. Grant I know. I pray for the Lord to give you His peace, and His strength to get through this trial.
Ray & JoAnn Hagan, Kennesaw, GA.
Gary Davis
April 26, 2011
May God offer you peace/ Mike and lab,Maggie, visited us on Dunsinane Lane often to see our two chocolate male labs: Jellico and Bucksport. They loved his visit...and the treats... What a sweet man....
Eucle Vickery
April 26, 2011
Tillie - so sorry to hear about Mike. Please accept our heart felt condolences from all of us from the Southwest LaGrange community. Eucle (Flournoy) Vickery, Joanne (Flournoy) Market. Our prayers are with you and your entire family.
April 26, 2011
Most of my memories of Mike are surrounded by the soccer trip to St. Louis when he was coaching the All Star team and we went to the Junior Olympics. He was always such a positive influence on the young people and I truly appreciated his attitude at that time. When my husband passed away 4 years ago, he was sympathetic and thoughtful. I know how desperately you will all miss him and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Nancy Soteres
Little D Blaschke Jr.
April 26, 2011
God doesn't make men like Mike Grant very often. To all who knew him well, he was either a father, a brother, an uncle, or a loyal friend on whom you could depend. To me and my peers that grew up with Vance, Mike led and taught like a father - with discipline AND love. As we matured into fellow brothers in Christ, Mike cared for our soul and our well being, and for our growth. To me, Mike was an uncle of sorts, and a monkey's uncle too - he delivered a good joke and brought laughter through his candor, always finding ways to connect and bring joy or a teaching moment. Mike was a dependable and true friend to so many people - he modeled the love of Christ AND the foolish loyalty of Peter, a captain or a wing man as the situation dictated. Mike taught me to love life and your loved ones each day, and to express your love with a warm smile whether you won big, or got your butt whipped. He understood that life was a marathon, not a race, but that it was also a battlefield for integrity - where he lived his creed with dignity that commanded respect. I will miss our brother Mike in ways I don't yet comprehend and understand, but I will also carry his zest for life deep in my soul for all my days. To the loving extended Grant family, and especially Tillie, my family and I cry and moan with you for our world without Mike in it - but alas, we rejoice and celebrate with you in the grace of our Savior and for Mike's place in his army of witnesses! Christ even, will find love and joy in Mike's great bear hug.
Anne Davis
April 26, 2011
Mike Grant was one of the finest and friendliest people I ever met. His love for his family and faith just shone out of him. When he was walking Maggie, he brought treats for our two chocolate labs, and always made such a fuss over them. They (and I) will surely miss him.
April 26, 2011
Nancy and I will long remember the smile and very pleasant attitude that was Mike. He was given a gift of being friendly and loving and shared it in all aspects of his life. God bless you during this difficult time; yet praise God the His eternal promise to all that believe and accept Jesus into their lives.
Nancy and Fletcher Sims
Gene Ezell
April 26, 2011
Mike was one of the most positive, encouraging, affable men I knew. He was always so welcoming to Cynthi, Megan and me. His ever-present smile and laughter will be missed.
Sandy Flournoy
April 26, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about what happened. There are no words at a time like this. I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was best friends with Mary "way back in time" and was around both Tony and Mike. What I remember most was their smiles. Praying that God will keep you through all of this.
Dennis Blaschke
April 26, 2011
Ed Lawrence
April 26, 2011
Mike was always a man with a friendly word and a warm smile that always made you feel welcomed. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Our Rotary Club was blessed to have Mike lead us and join us in membership.
Emily Meeks
April 26, 2011
Everytime I saw Mike, he always had a huge smile on his face and a big bear hug ready to give. No matter how you were feeling at that moment, when you walked away from Mike you always felt uplifted. The love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was always evident in his infectious smile. He will be missed by all who knew him. Mike, may you rest in peace on the highest mountain in Paradise.
David Blaschke
April 26, 2011
I was so sorry to hear the news of Mike this Easter weekend. To all of the Grants, I know your loss is beyond words. We will all wonder how he could have been taken at this point in life, as he had made it to those golden retirement years? Perhaps, God will give us an answer over our coming time? God Bless all of you as we struggle through this loss!
Dennis L. Blaschke, Sr.
April 25, 2011
Mike Grant was the Most Positive Person I have ever met. He was always willing to lend a ready hand and go the extra mile. I will never forget his infectious smile and warm nature. Know that he is in our thoughts and prayers. Our Love goes out to all the family, especially Tillie, Cori, Mary, Vance and Scoot.
Slim Langford
April 25, 2011
So sorry to here about Mike. The good Die young.
steve and linda martin
April 25, 2011
we are sorry and miss mike...we love you, tillie and family
i will always remember the days we had with tony and the grants as i grew up....