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BORN
1937
DIED
2021
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Michael Grandstaff Obituary
November 29, 1937 - October 16, 2021
Michael Earle Grandstaff, 83, of Hickory, passed away Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Carolina Caring in Newton.
Born Nov. 29, 1937, in Norfolk, Va., he was the son of the late William Earle Grandstaff and Lucy Blair Grandstaff. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael L. Grandstaff Jr.; and his older brother, Blair.
Michael was an accomplished wrestler who won state and conference titles and served as second alternate for the U.S. national team at the 1960 Olympics. Though never a head coach, he assisted programs at Hickory, St. Stephens and Bunker Hill High Schools, as well as Pfeiffer University. Mike worked as a planner for Caldwell and Catawba Counties and then embarked on a second career at Shuford Mills. He was a member of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Catawba. A devout Christian, he was active in his church for many years prior to his illness. Mike will be remembered for his generosity, his playful personality and his love of Jesus Christ.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Lisa G. Semple and husband, Robert Semple Jr., of Morganton; sister, Sally Lepetina of Williamsburg, Va.; brother, Terry Grandstaff of Norfolk, Va.; and two grandsons, Robert M. Semple III and Noah A. Semple.
A funeral service will be held at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Catawba, Saturday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Michael Daniels officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be sent to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.
www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Grandstaff
Sponsored by Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory.
5 Entries
Tommy Harris
June 21, 2023
Mike was my best friend in high school and he taught me how to wrestle. He was a solid citizen, a good person, very kind and generous . . . and I miss him. Tommy Harris, Norview High School 1957
Tom Harris
June 21, 2023
Mike was my best friend in high school and taught me how to wrestle. He was a solid citizen, a loyal friend, and just a beautiful soul (as well as a great wrestler)
Judy Clarke
October 14, 2022
May you continue to follow the Light on your journey back to God.
Bill and Fran Little
October 20, 2021
A good neighbor and friend for many years. Always a friend to anyone in need ... door was always open to God's children and animals. He is now reunited with Preston and Little Mike!
Judy Clarke
October 20, 2021
Have fond memories of Mike, my cousin, even though he was a little older. The best memories were of him in high school where he excelled in wrestling. Sincere sympathies for his loss to all his family.
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Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory334 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC 28601
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