Obituary of Joseph Phillip Granger

Joseph Phillip Granger of Hartford passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, June 22, 2010 after a long illness. He was 86 years old. Visitation will be held at the Hartford First Methodist Church Friday, June 25, 2010, 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. with funeral services Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 10 a.m. with Reverend Dr. Billy D. Gaither and Reverend Moody Faulk officiating. A graveside service will follow in Hartford City Cemetery with Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Mr. Granger was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ray Granger and parents, Ruth and Kyle Granger of Grangerburg, AL, mother-in-law Bonnylin Adams Smith. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Teresa Childs Granger, Birmingham; daughter and son-in-law Joy and Terry Smith of Huntsville; sisters Mary Fleta Johnson, Eclectic; Ann Pittman, Dothan; brother, Charles Granger and wife Evelyn, Ashford; 3 grandchildren, Dana Mungenast, Lance Granger and Matthew Kirkland; 5 great grandchildren, Anna, Joseph, Scarlett, Gabriel and Mary Julia; and a very special friend, Mrs. Martha Outlaw. Mr. Granger was a World War II Veteran serving in the 8th Air Force in England. After an honorable discharge, he enrolled at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn University, receiving his B.S. degree in Agriculture, then earning a Master's Degree in Education. He and his wife Mary taught at Coffee Springs High School where he was promoted to the position of Principal. He later served as Principal of Geneva County High School in Hartford then twice elected as Geneva County Superintendent of Schools. He impacted many lives along his journey. Mr. Granger was an avid Auburn fan, Mason and Shriner but most important to him were the Gideons. Donations can be made to the Gideons, PO Box 41, Hartford, AL 36344. Service Information