Johnnie Claude McGranahan

Johnnie Claude McGranahan

November 22, 1942 - July 24, 2025

Johnnie Claude McGranahan, 82, of Lake Gaston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025 surrounded by the family he loved fiercely and the legacy he built with wit, grit, and a deep sense of loyalty.

Born on November 22, 1942, in Goodman, West Virginia (Mingo County), Johnnie was the son of Theodore McGranahan and Edith Leona Messenger McGranahan. He grew up on the Lazy M Ranch on Salem Road in VA Beach and graduated from Princess Anne High School.

Following his service in the United States Air Force, Johnnie went on to become an Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. With a sharp eye, steady nerve, and no patience for nonsense, he excelled in his role until retiring at the age of 50. He then settled into life at Lake Gaston, NC, where he found joy in the simple things-hunting, quiet mornings, telling stories that may or may not have been entirely true, and most of all, the raucous annual Lake Gaston Seafood Festival.

Johnnie was a proud member of the Royal Hart Masonic Lodge No. 497 in Littleton, NC, where he found fellowship and purpose among his brothers.

He is survived by Judy McGranahan, the love of his life, his partner in everything, and the one person who could match his fire with grace. Their story began in 1958 on a Saturday night at the Davis Corner Fire Department dance in Virginia Beach, where Judy made the first move and asked Johnnie to dance. That moment sparked a lifelong connection-one built on deep love, shared laughter, occasional eye rolls, and unwavering loyalty. Together, they built a home, a family, and a bond that weathered every chapter of life.

Johnnie was the proud father of three children:

John McGranahan (Deanne), and their daughters Caroline and Emily

David McGranahan (Leslie), and their children Jack, Libby, and Nathaniel

Aimee McGranahan Shand (Larry), and her children Kaitlyn Allan (Sean), Nicolas Correnti, Avery Correnti, and Isabella Correnti

Johnnie was also a proud great-grandfather to Cora Mae and George, and is survived by his sister, Judith Nozarella and loving sister-in-law's Melinda McGranahan, Lucy Sprouse and Ginger Young.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Teddy Ray McGranahan and Noah "Buddy" Sprouse, with whom he shared many stories, adventures, and a deep bond that lasted a lifetime.

Those who knew Johnnie knew exactly where they stood with him. He was direct, funny, stubborn, and completely unapologetic about being himself. His stories, his laugh, and his unfiltered commentary will be missed more than words can say.

www.blaylockfh.com Johnnie Claude McGranahan