Ronald "Ron" Grant

A Glimpse of a Life – The Story of Ron Grant 

On June 16, 1948, in Gastonia, North Carolina, Ronald Eugene Grant entered the world. For 77 years, Ron sought to honor God with his life, to love his family deeply, and to serve others with quiet strength and unwavering devotion. 

  

Roots and Family 

Ron was the middle child of J.L. and Jeanette Grant. He grew up in Gastonia with a brother, Gary Layton (wife Kay), and a sister, Janis Kimble (husband Nikki), who both still live in their hometown. Family was always a cornerstone of Ron’s life. Though his parents, his son Brandon, and his nephew Jonathan Dane Grant preceded him in death, they were waiting to welcome him joyfully into heaven. 

  

A Devoted Husband and Father 

Fifty-six years ago, Ron married his beloved Betty Brooks. Through joys and health challenges alike, he stood faithfully by her side, a husband whose encouragement and care carried her through some of life’s most difficult seasons. Their love story continued in their daughter, Leslie Danielle Larkins, and her husband James Larkins III, who live in Woodstock, Georgia, with their three children. To Reagan Avery, James IV, and McKinley Brooke, Ron wasn’t just a grandfather - he was “G-Pop,” a steady presence and source of wisdom, laughter, and love. 

  

Ron’s extended family was also dear to him. He leaves behind his niece Michelle and her husband, Dr. David Scott of Anderson, SC, along with their daughters, Caroline and Taylor Grace. His sister’s children, Jennifer Dumancas in Colorado and Amanda Scott in Gastonia, also carry on his legacy. 

  

Education and Career 

After graduating high school, Ron pursued his Associates Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. He began his career with Western Electric while working toward a BS degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Guilford College. His strong grasp of math became a family resource - his grandchildren often texted him for homework help, and he was always happy to oblige. 

 

Ron’s career took him from Greensboro, NC, to Birmingham, AL, and finally to Atlanta, GA, where he retired after 30 years with the Bell System. Not ready to slow down, he became a telecom consultant with KPMG in Philadelphia. But when Betty was diagnosed with cancer, Ron put his career aside without hesitation to care for her. In 2003, the two retired to Venice, choosing to spend their days focused on what mattered most - faith, family, and love. 

  

Passions and Personality 

Ron was often a reserved conversationalist, but mention golf or baseball, and suddenly he had plenty to say. Despite living away from North Carolina for decades, he never lost his devotion to UNC basketball, and he proudly cheered on the Atlanta Braves. Golf was one of his greatest joys, and though illness eventually forced him to give it up, the game always held a special place in his heart. 

 

He also had a sweet tooth for candy corn, licorice jelly beans, peanut butter milkshakes, and hot dogs. His other passions included cars, guitars, and music. As a young husband, he sold his treasured 12-string guitar to buy cookware for Betty and later traded in his Corvette for a practical car when his mother-in-law came to live with them. These sacrifices, made without complaint, were testaments to his selflessness and devotion to family. 

  

Final Chapter 

A few months ago, Ron’s health declined rapidly. Despite countless tests, answers remained unclear. Ron was not afraid of dying - he knew his eternal home was in heaven - but he prayed that God would spare him from years of suffering in a failing body with a clear mind. On September 9, 2025, God answered that prayer mercifully, calling Ron home.

 

Ron’s life was a story of love, sacrifice, faith, and quiet strength. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched. 

 

Per the request of the family please do not send flowers.

 

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