Patrick R. Grannum Sr.

GARYSBURG —  On Aug. 27, 1932, in the Bronx, N.Y., the late Patrick R. Grannum Sr. and Ivy Gill Grannum were blessed with an energetic, adventurous, loving, spirited male child whom they named Patrick R. Grannum Jr. He answered God’s call to eternal rest and peace on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, at his home in Garysburg.

Patrick was a product of the New York City School System. Upon graduation from high school, he entered the United States Navy where he achieved the rank of airman. After serving his country and being honorable discharged, he became employed with Admiral Television before later joining the New York Fire Department where he retired.

He was united in holy matrimony to Ella Grannum. This marriage was later dissolved.

Patrick loved the outdoors and such love led to his becoming a devoted veteran motorcyclist. This motivated him to travel from New York to Garysburg many times before becoming a resident of Garysburg.

He loved and served his church, holding the offices of deacon and assistant minister of music. In his view, there was no room for any deficiency when it came to God’s services within the church. He was often heard stating his desire for more Sabbath school lesson discussion time. It is impossible to speak of Patrick other than in superlatives — kind, gentlemanly, scholarly, jovial; in the very best sense, he exemplified these meaningful attributes. Those who knew him loved him, and the better they knew him, the more they loved him. His greatest legacy was doing things for others in secret, and those enduring works live on.

Patrick will be greatly missed by the Roanoke Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Church. His loyal and continued support will forever be deeply appreciated. His passing leaves a void with his church family.

Treasured memories will remain with his dear friend and caregiver, Martha Cooper of Roanoke Rapids; her daughter, Marla Clayton of Durham; his cousin, David Johnson (Diane) of New York; his Roanoke Valley Church members; and other friends and neighbors.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 28,  at Roanoke Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1373 Smith Church Road, Roanoke Rapids, with Elder Daniel Bran, pastor, delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow in Crestview Memorial Cemetery,  489 Smith Church Road, Roanoke Rapids.

Robinson Funeral Home in Littleton is handling the arrangements.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomenc.com to post condolences.