Ulysses Thomas Grant

On February 28, 2025, the world lost a shining light, and Heaven gained a man who will likely tell a few good stories and catch a college football game before settling in.

Ulysses Thomas Grant, born August 17, 1934, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the family he lived for and adored. A steady, generous, and sharp-witted man with a laugh that could fill a room, he leaves behind a legacy built on dedication, kindness, and a lifetime of stories, most of which ended in laughter, even when they didn't start that way.

A proud son of Annie Ophelia Leitner and Loonis Harley Grant, and a Korean War Air Force veteran, Ulysses lived a life that spanned continents and decades, guided by curiosity, loyalty, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. His twinkling eyes always seemed to hold the punchline before he ever said a word, and often, they did.

He dedicated 30 years of his career to civil service as a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation General Manager, followed by another 20 years managing golf clubs, a path rooted in service, leadership, and long hours he never hesitated to give if it meant supporting his family. He approached every role with care, professionalism, and quiet pride, always showing up and giving his best. He loved a good game of golf, especially when he was winning, and had a deep fondness for classic Westerns, particularly anything starring John Wayne.

He had what could only be described as nine lives, surviving a near-fatal tractor accident as an adult and, as a young boy, surviving a science experiment gone wrong with nothing but a good story and a few lessons in caution. Somehow, even his close calls turned into memories that made people laugh and shake their heads in disbelief.

Though he traveled and lived all over the world, he never missed a Georgia Bulldogs game. Whether tuning in through a crackly AM radio in Hawaii, a sketchy hotel TV in Eastern Europe, or after bribing someone in a language he barely spoke, if the Dawgs were playing, he was there, cheering and barking. Over the years, he also attended countless games and tailgates with lifelong friends, Hoke and Mickey Wilder, creating memories that meant as much to him as the games themselves.

He was married to the love of his life, Sarah Grant, for 68 years. From humble beginnings in a single-wide trailer with more dreams than dollars, they built a life full of meaning, laughter, and deep family roots that will ripple through generations.

To call him dedicated doesn't quite capture it. He carried responsibility without complaint, worked long hours without seeking credit, and quietly ensured that his family never went without. He had a calm strength, the kind that held everything together even when no one was watching.

He never met a stranger and didn't hesitate to lend a hand or speak a kind word. He believed in doing right by people, in showing up, and in treating everyone with respect. When asked, "How are you, Tommy?" he would always reply, "Wonderful." And he truly was.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sarah Grant; son, Dwayne Grant; daughter, Lynn Kelly (Grant); nephew, Mike Grant; grandson, Jacob Johnson; granddaughter, Kelsey Ondriezek (Johnson); and his pride and joy, great-grandson Lee Ondriezek. He is preceded in death by his parents, Annie Ophelia Leitner and Loonis Harley Grant; his beloved son, Lee Grant; and his brothers, Paul Grant and Gordon Grant.

Ulysses leaves behind a world made better by his presence and a family stronger, wiser, and more loving because of him.

We'll miss your stories, your laugh, your quiet wisdom, and your unwavering kindness. But mostly, we'll miss hearing you say, with a grin and a wink, that you were "wonderful." Because you truly were.

Go Dawgs. Keep it between the hedges.

Glory, glory to old Georgia!