Phillip Dale Grant

Phillip “Dale” Grant, Sr., 67, of Columbus, Mississippi passed away at the home of his daughter in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on July 20, 2017. Mr. Grant was born on June 24, 1950, in Caledonia, MS to Louise Logan Grant and Harry Fletcher Grant. Mr. Grant is preceded in death by his father, Harry. He is survived by his mother Louise, and his three children, Shelly Grant Garcia, Jennifer Grant Fountain, and Phillip Dale Grant, Jr. Additionally, he is survived by his granddaughters Mardy Leigh Fountain and Sophie Madison Garcia. Mr. Grant is survived by his brother Randall Grant, and his sisters Joyce Grant Dorsett and Barbara Grant Cockerham.

Mr. Grant grew up in Caledonia, Mississippi, and spent much of his adult life in Vernon, Alabama where he raised his children. He spent his final years in Columbus, Mississippi. After spending more than a decade in the grocery industry throughout the Southeast in the 1970s and 80s, Dale opened a general store in Vernon, Alabama that served as a meeting place for so many in the community. Dale was much prouder of his positive impact on the community than his success as a business man. He served as a deacon for many years at Calvary Baptist Church in Vernon, Alabama, as a board member of various charitable organizations, and gave to families in need in the Lamar County community.

Dale Grant’s joy in life was his children and grandchildren, and in his final years, he was dedicated to supporting their success. Mr. Grant lived to see two of his children, Shelly and Phillip, graduate from The University of Alabama as first-generation college students. Moreover, he continued to support his son’s graduate school education at the University of Georgia. Additionally, he provided emotional and financial support for his daughter Jennifer’s real estate business.

Mr. Grant’s co-workers will agree, he valued good work ethic and made it his personal philosophy. Although he reached retirement age, he continued to work at Newell Paper Company in Columbus, Mississippi to continue to support his children’s successes. He was known for giving his most precious gift to his children, his time. Mr. Grant spent many hours watching the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Atlanta Braves, and the Georgia Bulldogs on television with his children. When his children called for help, he never hesitated; he was there for every graduation, birth, move, and loss.

Graveside services will be Sunday, July 23, 2017 at 2:45 PM at Center Hill Baptist Church Cemetery  in Hamilton, MS, with Dr. James Cockerham officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home. Gunter & Peel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 16808, Jackson, MS 39236.