W. Oliver Granade (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

AUGUSTA, Ga. - W. Oliver Granade, Sr., 83, departed this life on April 6, 2009 at his residence at Brandon Wilde, Evans. He was the only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Junius C. Granade and a native Augustan. He was the devoted husband of 53 years to the late Betty Smith Granade. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Pastor John Zimmermann and the Rev. John Pinson officiating. Mr. Granade will lie in state for one hour prior to the service. Kent Plunkett, Cliff Miller, Dana Bowden, Ted Dannemiller, Ryan Lewis, Alan Lewis, Joshua Granade, Seth Granade and Jim Sloan will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be past members of Boy Scout Troop 45. Interment will follow at Westover Memorial Park. He was a graduate of the Academy of Richmond County and Junior College of Augusta where he served as Cadet Lt. Colonel and won the Best Drilled Cadet and Marksmanship Awards. He was a talented dancer and served as a Social Dance Assistant for Mrs. Henri Price. He then graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Chemistry and Physics. He was proud to be a U.S. Army Veteran, having served as a First Lieutenant in the Infantry. He worked as a Chemist for E.I. DuPont in the Savannah River Laboratories. Following retirement, he worked for Georgia Power at the Hatch Plant. He additionally taught special needs children in the Tattnall County school system. Mr. Granade enjoyed working with young people and served as a Sunday School teacher and Youth Counselor. He was a charter member of St. Mark United Methodist Church and a member of Reidsville United Methodist Church and Aldersgate United Methodist Church over the years. As a Bible scholar, he completed all levels of the Discipleship Program and served as an instructor. Mr. Granade initiated the Boy Scout program at Aldersgate UMC, serving as the leader of Pack 45, Troop 45 and Explorer Post Ship 45, the first Sea Scout Post in the Georgia-Carolina Council. At the University of Georgia, Mr. Granade was the student leader of the University Swing Orchestra, pursuing what would be his lifelong passion for Big Band music. He was a devoted Georgia Football fan and attended games for many years with his family. He shared his love of music over the years by performing with his wife at various civic groups, singing in Church choirs and leading the singing at the Brandon Wilde Vespers. A true Renaissance man, he included among his hobbies over the years Golf, Bridge, Camping, Water Skiing, Gardening, Photography, Dancing, Singing, Carpentry, Piano, Reading, Writing Poetry and Cross-stitch. He possessed a contagious sense of humor and believed in maintaining an active senior lifestyle. He is survived by his loving children, June Granade, Jimmy Granade (Susan), both of Augusta, Bill Granade (Dianne) of Aiken, and Rebecca G. Lewis (Alan) of Atlanta. Beloved grandchildren are Joshua L. Granade (Jenifer), Seth A. Granade, Carolyn A. Granade, Ryan O. Lewis and Jennifer A. Granade. Mr. Granade had many very dear friends among the residents and staff of Brandon Wilde who greatly enriched his life during the last several years. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Brandon Wilde Wellness Program or the church or charity of your choice. The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 PM Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, 1134 Telfair St., Augusta, Georgia. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

The Augusta Chronicle-April 8, 2009