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1917 - 2005
Mr. Paul M. Grannis, age 87, died suddenly Februay 4, 2005 at his home on his way to his favorite ritual of going to morning coffee in his truck with his dog, Perky, in the back. The day before he had spoken at the grand opening of a new affordable housing complex. This will end his 35 plus years of developing affordable housing in the state of Michigan. Paul had a lifetime of exceptional health, a good life, and he loved to exercise. Paul retired from Michigan Bell Telephone after 45 years of service and was active in various community groups and served on the Michigan State 4-H Board or Directors. He was a founding member of Michigan Rural Development Council. Paul married Opal Wilson on November 11, 1938. She will miss his companionship. Together they raised four children to carry on their legacy; Lynn Zank, Carol (Larry) Richard, Joann (Rick) Surdam, and Ted (Darlene) Grannis. Also influenced by him and left are his grandchildren; Heidi (Steve) Reed, Heather (Dave) Wolfe, Hod (Kristen) Zank, Amanda (Kevin) Green, Cory (Jessi) Surdam, Betsy, Cassie, and Michael Grannis. Great-granchildren are Trey, Thomas, and Trevor Reed, Brandon, Brock, and Bayley Wolfe, Taylor, Austin, and Aden Zank, and Kalli Green. He was preceded in death by his brother, Hugh Grannis, sisters, June Betley and Betty Strecker, son-in-law, Don Zank, and grandson, David Grannis. He will be missed by his sister, Nanda Ream, and sister-in-law, Doris Grannis, as well as his loyal staff at Red Oak Management, business colleagues, faithful friends and neighbors. Paul enjoyed his grandchildren and great-granchildren in all their events and enjoyed following Cedar Springs' athletic teams. Paul loved turkey at every holiday, homemade ice cream off the paddle, gravy on pie, water fights, a good debate, making peanut brittle at Christmas. He rented cottages on Lake Michgan for the family, organized grandchildren travel trips, annually fished at Rice Lake - leaving lasting memories for all of us as he has gone just the way he would have wanted it - on a beautiful, sunny day to reside in his forever home. A Celebration of Live will be held on Tuesday February 8, 2005 at 11 a.m.from East Nelson United Methodist Church with Rev. Herb Vanderbilt officiating. Burial will be in East Nelson Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville. Memorial contributions may be given to East Nelson Church memorial fund, Cedar Springs Athletic Boosters or a charity of your choice.
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