Charles “Wesley” Grant, of Fairhope, AL, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at the age of 91.
He was born on May 23, 1931, to Lillie Mae Harris Grant and Carl Fletcher Grant. He had three brothers who predeceased him: Douglas, Harris and Aubrey.
Dad graduated from J.U. Blacksher High School in Uriah, Alabama, in 1949 and graduated from Auburn University in 1953 with a degree in Ag Science. After serving his country in the Korean Conflict, he returned to Auburn to earn his Master’s Degree and met the love of his life, Gaynell Downey, who became his wife in December, 1955. They were married for 64 years until her death in December of 2019.
The couple had four children, Brenda Grant Saltz (Vann deceased), Sharon Grant Jones (John), Byron Grant, and Susan Grant Runnels (Paul) and eight grandchildren, Grant Saltz (Amber), Jared Saltz (Haley), Katie Gable Robinson (Ryan), Ben Gable (Kati), Lauren Grant Minor (Wayne), Camden Grant, Brooke Runnels Kelly (Michael) and Wes Runnels (Angela), as well as 10 great grandchilden and many close friends.
Wesley had a 40-year career with Baldwin County Schools. He began as the Ag Science teacher at Fairhope High, where he positively influenced the lives of hundreds of young men. In 1970, he took on the role of Vocational Director and was in charge of getting two vocational centers built and staffed. Over 50 years later, those two schools are still going strong. Later, he became Associate Superintendent of Baldwin County schools. He was tasked with finding and purchasing land on which to build new high schools. He did this and supervised the buildings of Foley High, Daphne High, Baldwin County High, Robertsdale High and Fairhope High, as well as Gulf Shores Elementary. After retiring in 1994, he had more time to garden and volunteer at his church, First Baptist Church of Fairhope, where he’d been a member since 1955. He sang in the choir for 60 years, taught Sunday School, served as a deacon, and worked on many committees. When the church burned in 2001, he was on the committee to build it back, bigger and better than before.
Wesley was gifted in many areas, but was exceptional at leadership and building relationships. He was very good with people and was loved and admired by many. He had a servant’s heart and looked for ways to use his gifts and talents. His motto, which has been stitched onto quilts by his wife, is “Pray for a good harvest, but keep on hoeing.”
Thanks go to Joy and all the fine people at W. F. Green Veteran’s Home in Bay Minette, who took loving care of our Dad.
A celebration of Life will be held at Fairhope First Baptist Church, 300 S, Section St. in Fairhope on Wednesday, November 2, at 2:30pm. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00pm until service time. Officiating will be Dr. Eric Hankins and Dr. Jerry Henry. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the building fund at First Baptist Church.
Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.hughesfh.com. Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home of Daphne, AL.
We are saddened to hear about our Dear friend Mr. Grant. He was a wonderful Christian and a pleasure to be around as his sweet family as well. Praying that God will give them peace and comfort during this time. Heaven has gained another angel that’s singing to all the other angels. Tony & Ann McCluskey
Didn’t know Wesley, but I do know two of his daughters, and they are both fine people. I’m sure that Wesley had much to do with molding them, which speaks a lot about him.
I’m sorry to hear of about Mr. Grant he was a fine gentleman.may God bless you and help you in this troubling time. Know he’s in a better place.
Condolences to the family and
Deepest sympathy to Mr. Grant’s spouse, Joy. He was a great influence in my life in
High school and guidance for my career. Will be sadly missed. Lots of memories.
Howard Parker
What a beautiful tribute to Mr Grant and his years of service and dedication to not only his family but to his Savior & the kids’ lives he touched throughout his years long teaching.
Mr Grant will definitely be missed by his precious family and his church family too.
May God wrap His loving arms around you and grant you peace and comfort. God Bless – Ron & Erilda
I am honored to have been a teacher in the Baldwin County School System when Mr. Grant was the Associate Superintendent. He was wonderful! Mr.Grant truly cared about the Schools, the teachers, and especially the students in Baldwin County. I was one of a group of teachers who went to Montgomery with Mr.Grant to meet with the legislators requesting help for the Schools in Baldwin County.. Mr. Grant would see a need in the Baldwin Schools and fill that need.
He was a great role model for all of us with his integrity, honor, professionalism, and compassion.
He instilled these traits in his children whom I taught.
I will always be grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Grant for being such excellent role models and mentors when I first became a teacher..
What an amazing legacy Mr. Grant has given to his family.
With Sympathy,
Jo Anne Keller
Mr. Grant made me feel more than welcome when I visited with the Saltz family. I felt like family. Watching Auburn games him perhaps best memories and talking to him as he rode around the farm. Prayers for comfort for the family and friends. Hugs when I see you again.
Mr Wesl;ey Grant was one of the most influential people in my life. As a student of his for 3 years, at FHS he had a profound impact on me, and many others, during my formative years. The knowledge passed down in Mr Grants classes far exceeded the standard class room requirements. His lessons and leadership touched on values like character, responsibility, planning, doing the right thing , when it was not always the easy choice, morals and values. To this day when faced with difficult I still ask myself, ” What would Mr Grant do in this situation”.
I will miss him greatly.