Donald "Don" Jerry Grant, Jr.

Donald "Don" Jerry Grant, Jr., 61, of Gastonia, NC entered into his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones at his home . He was born at the US Naval Dispensary, US Naval Station, Bermuda on November 30, 1959 to Donald Jerry and Margaret Rose Benevides Grant, Sr.

In addition to his wife of 30 years, Donna Warren Grant, he will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Margaret Grant; daughter, Bailey Grant and boyfriend Matt Alberghini of Dallas, TX; sons, Donald "Alex" Grant and girlfriend Katherine Moles of Charlotte, NC and Christopher Workman of Billings, MT; brother, Timothy "Tim" Grant; nephews, Matthew Grant (Mike), Seth Grant and Chandler Grant (Tim), all of Gastonia, NC; grandsons, Elias Workman of Winona, MN and Rhyan Workman of Gastonia, NC; father-in-law, Richard Johnson of Gastonia; many aunts, uncles, extended family members and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, his brother Michael "Mike" Grant and his mother-in-law, Joan Warren Johnson.

Don was a successful entrepreneur and businessman and was the owner/president of Grant Exterminating Company, Inc. which was awarded the Gaston County Chamber of Commerce – Small Business Award in 2001-2002 . He was an original member of Pest One, Inc. and held several offices with the North Carolina Pest Management Association including, Secretary of the Executive Board, Regional Vice President, and Executive Board of Directors member. He and his wife had also previously owned and operated The Cherry Grove Beach Market and The Cherry Grove Grill, in Cherry Grove, SC.

Don was very active in his community and enjoyed participating in local politics. He selflessly served as a Gaston County Commissioner, as well as, served on numerous city and county boards including the City of Gastonia Board of Adjustments from 2012-2019, Gaston County Family Advisory Board and Gaston County Fire Advisory Board. He also served as chairman of the Gaston County GOP from 2013-2015 and has been a Silver Sponsor of the Gaston County GOP for numerous years.

Other ways Don was active in his community include serving as a member and Captain of the Gaston Lifesaving Crew when it operated as a volunteer service, where he received many awards including "Officer of the Year" and "Rescue Man of the Year"; as President of the Piedmont Rescue Association, where he also helped coordinate rescue services for major events at Charlotte Motor Speedway; and as a teacher of Emergency Medical Technician classes at Gaston College.

Don has been a financial supporter of many community organizations including Crisis Pregnancy Center,  Cancer Services, Holy Angels, Least of These Carolina's and many other non-profit organizations. He was also a capital fund supporter of the Warlick Family YMCA.

Don was a member of Gastonia Masonic Lodge 369 A.F and A.M. and Chapel Grove Baptist Church in Gastonia. Other accomplishments include him hosting a Saturday morning radio show on Gaston College Radio Station 91.7 FM WSGE, being a cameraman for WSOCTV and obtaining his private pilot license.

Don enjoyed many things including working, cooking, fishing, music and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.

He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was a great man with a very big heart and loved helping people. To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Second Baptist Church – 740 Rankin Ave Mt. Holly, NC 28120 or Chapel Grove Baptist Church – 716 Camp Rotary Rd Gastonia, NC 28052 or Crisis Pregnancy Center Gaston – 700 Robinson Rd Gastonia, NC 28054.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Greene Funeral Service – South Chapel, 1503 S York Rd Gastonia, NC 28052.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday June 21, 2021 at Unity Baptist Church – 482 N Myrtle School Rd Gastonia, NC 28052.

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.