William Stuart "Bill" Grantham

William "Bill" Stuart Grantham, 71, passed away due to complications of Covid-19 on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. A current resident of Holly Springs, North Carolina, he was born in Mobile, Alabama and lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he spent the majority of his life. He was a dedicated husband, remarkable father and had a smile that could put anyone at ease and provide them peace. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kay Grantham, sons Brad (wife Angelique) and Jeremy Grantham, granddaughters Emerson and Victoria Grantham, brothers Lee Grantham (wife Deb Kohler), Tommy Grantham (wife Ginger), Alan Grantham (wife Dottie), Ginger Manning (husband Mike) and Erin Lavigne (husband Todd). He was preceded in death by his parents Adam "A.C." and Virginia "Gin" Chandler Grantham, brother James Michael Grantham and granddaughter Evangeline Rose Grantham. Like most Louisianians, Bill was drawn to the water. After completing his education at Redemptorist High School and Louisiana State University, Bill went on to become a maritime executive, launching Capital Fleet and Acadian Marine Transportation at the foot of North Street in Baton Rouge. These businesses were sold to Ingram Marine, where he continued working in management until his retirement five years ago. He employed hundreds over the years, many of whom referred to him as a friend as well as a loyal boss. His passion was his grandchildren, who were the absolute heart of everything he did. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, playing bass and guitar, and his beloved LSU Tigers. While he did enjoy watching LSU win the national football championship in January, we are confident that it was Covid-19, not the current LSU football season that contributed to his fate. Bill had a huge heart and did many things for others over the years without ever wanting credit for it or for the individual to know, following a Christ-like example. He was dedicated to his church and to supporting those who wanted to become a part of it, no matter their background or circumstances. His wishes were to be cremated, with his ashes spread at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, so he could take one last trip downstream to the Gulf of Mexico. His spirit lives on in the lives of those he touched, flowing through them as they impact others, offering calmness and peace like the rippling waters against the banks of the Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to help those in need at this time via the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, or the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.