Edric A. (Iggy) Grant 92 life long resident of Greenfield died peacefully in Greenfield on December 30, 2010.
He was born the son of Sarah A. (Foster) and Walter F. Grant on June 23, 1918 in Greenfield, MA. Iggy was educated locally and graduated from Greenfield High School class of 1936.
Mr. Grant took his vows to Miss. Muriel L. Loveland on October 12, 1938 at the First Baptist Church in Greenfield with family and friends present. They had been happily married for 64 years before she passed in October 16, 2002. They made Greenfield home where they raised four children.
Mr. Grant was one of the greatest generation serving his county during WWII in The U.S. Navy. He joined the service on April 27, 1944 as a Fire Controlman. He served with fleet on the U.S.S. Chevalier DD-805 Destroyer Class. He was on board for the escort of the fleet into Tokyo Harbor for the signing of the Japanese surrender to end the war. P.O. Grant was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal with one star and an Honorable Discharge Ribbon. He was released honorably from service on May 22, 1951 at the rank of Petty Officer 3rd. Class.
Edric worked for many companies over his life time. He retired in 1981 from the H. E. Hamilton Shoe Company in Greenfield as a salesman after 18 years of service. Iggy liked to stay busy and assumed a role as a part time Funeral Service Associate for the Walker Funeral Home for 17 years.
Edric was a seventy nine year member of the First Baptist Church in Greenfield until it closed. He spent time as a Church Moderator, Deacon Emeritus and Trustee. He was also on the Board of Christian Education and worked as the Superintendent. In 1940 with the assistance of others in the community he helped to found the Greenfield YMCA. Soon after in 1942 again with the help of others the (Y) Mens Club was organized and he was a past President.
Mr. Grant is survived by his four children; June A Kemp and her husband Paul of Greenfield, MA. Linda J. Herrick and her Husband John of Brattleboro, VT., Robert A. Grant and his wife Linda of Tilton Falls, N.J. and Gayle I. Gramarossa of Greenfield, MA.. He is also survived by his loving companion, Shirley Desmarias, of Greenfield, MA., his brother Robert (Mike) F. Grant of Greenfield. 11 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, wife Muriel and two brothers; Walter and Fred.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 from 6 to 8p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home 14 High St. Greenfield, MA.. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 10a.m. in the Methodist Church of Greenfield, Church St. Greenfield. MA. Burial with full Military Honors will occur in the family lot after the service at Green River Cemetery, Greenfield. MA. In lieu of flowers the family has requested monitory donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK. 73123-1718.
