Marion Hamilton Granade

Marion Hamilton Granade passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 after a courageous battle with invasive skin cancer. Born November 15, 1926, in Atlanta, GA, he was the oldest of three children of the late Clyde and Margie Granade of Conyers. He enjoyed the freedoms of growing up in the rural south and attended a one-room schoolhouse before going to Conyers High School where he graduated in 1943. He joined the Army in November 1944, became part of the Army Air Corps and was eventually stationed near Denver, CO. In October 1945, he received a three-day pass, got a military flight to Birmingham, AL and negotiated his way to Atlanta where he asked his high school sweetheart, Allie Sue Piper, to marry him. They wed that evening, October 19, 1945, after the Methodist revival service in Conyers GA. They recently celebrated 69 years of a loving, caring and committed marriage. After completing his military service, Marion joined the Southern Freight Tariff Bureau, which published regulated freight rates for the railroads servicing the east coast, for his entire career of 46 years. He was active in the community throughout his life serving on the Rockdale County School Board for eight years (1966-1974) where he was dedicated to providing superior education opportunities and was an integral part of establishing the second high school in Rockdale country, Heritage High School. He also served on the Hospital Authority of Rockdale County from 1977-1983 (chairman, 1980-1983) where he was recognized for his extraordinary efforts to improve hospital services and infrastructure during his tenure. The Rockdale Kiwanis Club presented him with the Citizen of the Year Award for 1982-1983. Marion was dedicated to his family and spent much time with his grandchildren. He greatly enjoyed working outdoors and landscaping his home. An avid reader, he particularly enjoyed books on American history and loved sharing what he learned with family and friends. He was often sought for his advice and wisdom, and he provided a steady hand. He was always there to share an exciting moment or announcement, or to provide sincere encouragement when needed. Most of all, he exemplified how to live life with exuberance, service, compassion and selfless love, and he is greatly missed by those who knew him. Mr. Granade is survived by his wife, Sue Granade; son, Tim Granade, both of Conyers; grandchildren, Rachel Granade, Atlanta, Stephanie Granade and John Randolph, NY, NY, Mitchell Granade, Atlanta; brother and sister-in-law, Alvin and Guelda Granade; sister and brother-in-law, Rebeca and Robert Waters, all of Conyers; several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. at Scot Ward's Green Meadow Chapel with Pastor David Rogers officiating; interment will follow at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends Friday, November 7, 2014 from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

Marion Hamilton Granade

November 15, 1926 - November 4, 2014