John William "Jack" Grannan

1946 - 2025

John William "Jack" Grannan, age 78, passed away on Friday evening, April 11, 2025, in Germantown, Tennessee. As he was preparing to be discharged to return to his earthly home following a brief hospital stay, the Lord called him to his heavenly home. Born in Evansville, Indiana, on July 7, 1946, he spent most of his adulthood in the Mid-South area, specifically Memphis. He earned his Ed.S. from the University of St. Thomas in 1991, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. A career educator, he retired from the Diocese of Memphis after more than 25 years of service as a dedicated and cherished teacher, coach, and administrator.

Jack was preceded in death by both parents, Cornelius Austin "Curt" Grannan and Dorothy Marie Hunter Grannan. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Cheryl Frazier Grannan; his two daughters: Jennifer Lynn Lindsey (David) of Bartlett; and Mary Ellen Rogers of Piperton. He is also survived by his three grandsons: Micah Andrew, Peter Austin, and Joseph David; as well as his siblings: Kenneth Austin (Stephanie) of Palm Harbor, Florida; Timothy Francis Sr. of Memphis; and Marjorie Louise Baxter (David) of Rossville.

He was an active, contributing member of several local parishes and service organizations across the Memphis area, including The Knights of Columbus and PRE. He most recently attended St. Brigid Catholic Church. Jack was the recipient of many honors related to his educational and athletic leadership contributions over the course of his life and was exceptionally proud of the multiple state championship titles his teams won in both football and girls basketball. Among his many personal and professional accolades, he was honored with the 2001-02 Albert C. Dunning Achievement Award by The Commercial Appeal, which annually recognizes an individual for their positive impacts on Memphis high school sports. He was also the recipient of The Rex Award in 2008, given annually to "The high school football coach in Memphis and Shelby County who most exemplifies the goals, ideas, and standards of Memphis State University Coach Rex Dockery." After his retirement, he continued to live a life of service to his church and community, kept up with his former students, and remained involved in local sports by working gamedays for local colleges and universities. His favorite times were spent with his beloved family and his fur babies, JJ and Jackson.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Brigid on Friday, May 2 at 1 p.m. Visitation for immediate family will precede the service. Details on the repast will be provided as soon as they have been confirmed, with all friends and family encouraged to gather and celebrate his life. The family expresses appreciation to Canale Funeral Directors for their care.

The family is working to establish a fund that would provide scholarships in his name to student-athletes at his alma maters, Christian Brothers University and the University of Memphis. Once the fund has been established, specifics will be shared so that contributions can be made to honor his legacy.