After almost 87 years on this earth, John has returned home, the place of beginnings. While here he had a family he dearly loved; wife, 6 sons, 16 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, father, mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; they loved him in return, appreciating his kind, thoughtful ways. John was born in Gulfport, MS, and spent formative years in Pascagoula MS with his parents Rita and John Grant Jr. and sister Gloria. He attended local schools, St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis MS, and St Joseph Abbey. He then joined the US Army and served in the Signal Corps. After being discharged, he attended and graduated from Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL with a BA degree. He then joined the American Red Cross, working as a Field Director assisting military families on Eglin AFB, Fort Walton, Florida. While there, he met his future wife Elaine Brunelle. They married on September 3, 1960 and were married for 60 years, raising 6 sons. John is predeceased by his parents, one son, Theodore. His sons are John L Grant, wife Jeannie Cochrane and 8 children; Mark R Grant; James A Grant, wife Sonya Winiger, and 3 children; Patrick J Grant, wife Sherel Strand deceased, and 3 children; Peter M Grant, wife Bridget Hanifin and 2 children. John’s wonderful and diverse grandchildren and great-grandchild are Natasha (husband Colin Shanahan, daughter Colette), Anya, Joseph, Stephen, David, Marina, Michael, William, Andrew, Maria, Stephanie, Josh, Makenzie, Reid, Trevor, and Matthew. John loved being with family, enjoying group meals, watching baseball, basketball, and football, and attending children’s sports. He was a poor cook except for the morning oatmeal but happily supported all the others in the family, and never turned down a serving of ice cream. John had an amazing talent for woodworking that he cultivated over 50 years. His home and the homes of his family are full of his beautiful work. John lived in Charlotte for over 20 years, moving to Boone in 1993. John was always active in Parish activities, serving as usher and lector. After retiring from the American Red Cross, John enjoyed working at Lowe’s in the tool and hardware areas, sharing his knowledge and tips with his customers. May the angels welcome John back home; this dear man will be sorely missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, November 30 at 11:00am at St Ann’s Catholic Church, followed by committal at Evergreen cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to one of the charities that John supported: Southern Poverty Law Center ( https://donate.splcenter.org/ ), Montgomery, AL 36104 St. Elizabeth Parish, Pilgrims Way, Boone, NC 28607; Heifer International, Little Rock, AR 12202 Or your local food bank The family would also like to express our appreciation to all of the caregivers from Goldenheart Senior Services, and to all of the staff at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster for the care and compassion they provided John and the family in his last days.