If it didn’t smell like Valvoline or 93 Octane, Jimmy wasn’t interested. He loved everything about cars, so much so, that they weren’t just projects but became part of his family. His passion for cars, especially Fords, was passed on to him from his father and the times they spent together racing various race cars while growing up. His knowledge about customizing and restoring cars had no bounds. His affinity for cars was passed on to his sons, family and friends, some of whom may not have liked tooling as much as he did. If he wasn’t working on cars, Jimmy could be found watching NASCAR or participating in local car shows.
Those who knew Jimmy had the opportunity to experience his invaluable advice. His advice was much like an instruction manual; no room for error, either you took it or you left it. Jimmy loved making others laugh. He also had an odd love for Hellman’s mayonnaise. Jimmy believed that Hellman’s mayo made everything taste better.
Jimmy faced many battles throughout his life and struggled with the complications of Diabetes. It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the death of Jimmy Burton Grant, who passed on November 4, 2017, after succumbing to illness. Jimmy was born July 6, 1950 to the late Frances and George Paul Grant. He grew up in the mountains of Marble Hill, GA with his two brothers: Wiliford Michael (Mike) and the late Kenneth Lee; and his four sisters: the late Rosamond Rebecca (Becky), Patricia Diane (Patty), Paulette Elizabeth (Polly), and Norma Jean. He joined the Navy immediately following high school in 1969 where he served honorably as a hospital corpsman for twenty-three years, retiring as Chief Petty Officer. Following his enlistment, for sixteen years, Jimmy continued his career as a civil servant at Naval Hospital Pensacola, as an Equipment Specialist. Jimmy was also an active member of his community. For twenty-five years he served on the Board of Directors with the Beulah Volunteer Fire Department.
Jimmy will be united with his late beloved wife, Suezan M. Grant, of 35 years. He is survived by his three sons: Pete A. Blakely (Rachel), Jody B. Grant (Jessica), and Keith P. Grant (Jennifer); six grandchildren: Ashley Wooten, Cameron Grant, Devan Grant (Scooter Boy), Tristen Grant, Coby Grant, and Maddox Grant; and one great grandchild.
Jimmy Burton Grant……”Forever Loved, Forever Missed.”
There will be a visitation for Jimmy on November 16, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at Trahan Family Funeral Home, 419 Yoakum Court, Pensacola, FL 32505. Funeral services will be November 17, 2017, at 12:30 at the Barrancas National Cemetery. For further details, please contact Trahan Family Funeral Home at (850) 438-6235.