John R. “Bob” Grant III died Friday, September 2, 2022, at his residence.
Mr. Grant was born in Columbus, GA, on December 17, 1940, to John R. Grant, Jr. and Mildred Moore Grant. He was a graduate of Harris Co. High School, Andrew College and Columbus College. After two seasons of playing basketball at Andrew College, Mr. Grant joined the Air Force, serving his country for five years. He returned to Columbus College, obtaining a master’s degree, and enjoyed a long career in education.
Mr. Grant’s first position was as teacher and coach at Tri-County Academy in Shiloh; then came the headmaster’s position at Baker Academy in Hawkinsville, GA, where he also coached.
In 1977 Mr. Grant became headmaster of Randolph Southern School in Shellman, GA, and as a basketball coach there, he led the Lady Patriots to many successful seasons. He also coached softball, baseball and track and field.
Mr. Grant was offered a headmaster’s job at Riverview Academy in Albany, GA, where he served for four years; he then took a teaching position at Stewart-Quitman High School, working with various sports teams there.
Next came a long affiliation with Chattahoochee – Flint Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), where he worked until retirement. Not one to sit still for long, Mr. Grant returned to Randolph Southern to resume the role of basketball coach until the lure of his garden, his tractor, deep-sea fishing, turkey hunting, and fly fishing in Alaska convinced him to retire for good.
Mr. Grant was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Annie Kate Grant; first wife, Susan Brown Grant; brother-in-law, Cliff Pearson; and daughter-in-law, Karon Riddle Grant.
He is survived by his wife of nearly thirty-six years, Greta Rigsby Grant, his children, Robert Michael Grant and Susana Grant (Chip) Lane; grandchildren, Susan, Katherine and Michael (Kelsey) Grant; John (Lauren) and Jack Lane; great-grandchildren, Theo, Webberly Blair, Brooks, and two on the way. He is also survived by siblings, Donnie (Lou Ellen) Grant, Doug (Marilyn) Grant, Janie (Clyde) Lee, Patty (Tom) Wallace, and Maria (Keith) Sumrell, as well as several nieces and nephews.
In honor of Mr. Grant’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time. Memorial donations may be made to Randolph Co. Veterans Memorial Committee (RCVMC) in care of Patricia Prescott, P. O. Box 69, Shellman, GA 39886 or The Golden Rule, 766 Parks Rd., Mauk, GA 31058.
Condolences may be mailed to the Grant family at 1992 Fountain Bridge Rd., Shellman, GA 39886.
LUNSFORD FUNERAL HOME
CUTHBERT, GA 229/732-2148
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