Raymond D. Grant
Raymond DeVere Grant, 93, from the comfort of his own home entered the gates of heaven on September 5, 2020. Raymond (Ray) was born on June 9, 1927 in Chester Township, Michigan, the son of Thomas DeVere and Anne (Baas) Grant. There he attended a country school and later met his wife of 54 years, Esther Wright.
Ray, a hard-working man, worked in several industries until he laid the foundation of Grant’s Woodshop in 1972. In his spare time, he used his craftsmanship at craft shows, building wooden games for kids at a local Bible school and Christian camps. He was a charter member of Chester Gospel Church, which he took part in building. Here and at home is where he developed his strong foundation of love, faith and Christian values that he used throughout his life. With this devotion, he gained respect from everyone he met and especially from his family that he so loved and enjoyed.
Ray is survived by his children: Paul Grant, Pam (Nelson) Appelman, Don (Marcia) Grant, Rob (Wendy) Grant; daughter-in-law, Cindy Grant; grandchildren, Dusti (Dennis) Seeley, Tennille (Andy) Stetler, Cassie (friend Matt) Bell, Tony (friend Shannon) Appelman, Joheather Grant, Leslie (Mike) Zook, Jessie (Matt) Grant-Drout, Hillary (Clint) Malinowski, Nick (friend Amy) Grant; along with 11 great-grandchildren that he adored. He is also survived by his siblings, Norma (Wendell) Frantz, Martha (Keith) Moore, Connie (David) Green, Kathryn Burnett; and brother-in-law, Verlie Shaver; plus many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Esther; son, Randy; infant daughter, Sandra Kay; his parents; 3 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sisters, Barbara Benedict, Marjorie Wagoner, Virginia Shaver; and brothers-in-law, Robert Burnett, Wayne Wagoner, and Carroll Benedict.
Friends are encouraged to support Ray’s family at visitation and funeral services.
Mask and distancing guidelines will be practiced both indoors and outdoors. Visitation was held on Thursday, September 10. Funeral services were Friday, September 11, 2020, at 11 a.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Pastor Dennis Weeks officiating. The funeral service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ray’s tribute, and then click on Photos & Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Chester Gospel Church or Youth Haven Ranch. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ray on his Tribute Page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.