E. Grant Cosner

1933 - 2022

Emiel Grant Cosner, of Charlottesville, Va., died on June 23, 2022. He lived to be 88 years old after a life of success and service to his family, church and the Charlottesville community.

Grant was raised on a tobacco farm in the Bybee area of Fluvanna County. He was one of ten surviving children of Theodore and Clara Cosner. By all accounts, he enjoyed a great childhood fishing and playing baseball with his brothers and being the class clown at school.

After graduation, Grant left home and began working in the automotive business, including his older brother’s successful shop, Skip’s Used Auto Parts, in Northern Virginia. He returned to Charlottesville a few years later and established Cosner Brothers Body Shop. In the early days, he partnered with his brother Bo, who owned Cosner Brothers Used Auto Parts in Fluvanna.

Grant met his future wife, Barbara Herndon, at a local dance and they were soon married in 1959. They became lifelong partners who both loved growing their businesses, which included Charlottesville Wrecker Service by the early 70's.

Anyone who knew Grant spoke about his deep sense of honor and the help he has given to many people in the community. There are many stories where he stepped in to help people who needed someone to stand up for them, or provide resources to get them on their feet. He was known for his honest and plain speaking and would always let you know where he stood. Grant had a quiet relationship with God, and was a faithful member of Park Street Christian Church since its establishment in the early 60's.

Grant led a charmed life in many ways, and enjoyed countless friends from all walks of life. He and Barbara were devoted supporters of the UVA Student Aid Foundation and kept season passes for both UVA football and basketball since the 60's. You could often find them cheering on the team with old-time friends, George and Barbara Norcross, and many others.

Fox hunting was Grant’s most passionate hobby, and he spent almost every weekend running the logging roads in his pickup with a pack of his beloved Walker hounds riding in the back. Many good times were had with Woodridge friends, including Raymond, Duck and Glen. A member of the Elks Lodge #389, Grant and Barbara spent many evenings at their famous dances and dining in their wonderful dining room.

Grant was predeceased by his son, Dane; his parents, Theodore and Clara; his sisters, Audrey Day and Elender Hensley; and his brothers, Maynard Cosner, Medford “Skip� Cosner, Beverly “Bo� Cosner, Joe Cosner, Clint Cosner, and Waverly Cosner. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; his daughter, Kimberly Cosner Lilley and her husband, Chris; his granddaughter, Kyra; his brother, Osbourn Cosner and his wife, Martha; and his sister-in-law, Erlyne Herndon Smith. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews, including Dillard Cosner, Tracey Woolheater, Melanie Lohr, Eric Cosner, Mac and Teddy Cosner and Debra Dolmetsch. We are so thankful for his many friends, including Preston and Diane Stallings.

The family thanks the many amazing employees who have faithfully worked by his side throughout the past 65 years of operation, and those who have taken up the mantle going forward at Cosner Brothers. Special recognition is due to Tesa Yawsal, who provided loving care during his recent decline.

A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Park Street, 735 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902, on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, from 5 until 7 p.m. Funeral services will occur at the church the next day on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 10 a.m., with burial immediately afterwards at Monticello Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Park Street Christian Church, 1200 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22901.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hillandwood.com.