Obituary for Bernard Grant
Bernard Grant, 85, of Chickamauga, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on December 7, 2025. Born on July 29, 1940, in Flintstone, he was the son of the late Roy and Mable Grant. Bernard lived his entire life rooted in faith, family, and the community he loved.
Bernard was married for 62 years to the love of his life, Barbara Harris Grant, who preceded him in death in 2023. Their marriage was one of deep devotion, partnership, and joy-a legacy that continues through their family.
A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Chickamauga, Bernard lived out his faith with authenticity and a servant's heart. Saved as a young adult, he never hesitated to share his testimony and wanted everyone he met to know the peace of Christ and the promise of Heaven.
Bernard had a lifelong love of music and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. As a teen, he sang in gospel quartets with family, and later as an adult at Dry Valley Baptist and Oakwood Baptist. He wrote several heartfelt songs about his Lord and gladly sang them whenever he was asked. In his final months, he found joy in singing for and with his caretakers, friends, and visitors-filling his home with the hymns he loved.
Bernard adored his girls. He was the biggest fan and supporter of his daughter, Wendy, throughout her entire life. He had immense pride in every step she took, and in retirement he continued cheering her on, reminding her often to "take the trips and have fun with Steve." When his granddaughter Clair was born, he was wrapped around her tiny finger from the very first moment he held her. The two spent countless hours together before she started school, and he picked her up every day once she did-grabbing every moment he could to be with her. Later, when great-grandson Ezra arrived, Bernard was absolutely smitten. His whole face lit up whenever Ezra walked into the room, and he savored every hug and every visit with "his Ezra."
A devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan, Bernard cheered faithfully every season-just ask anyone who spent time around him. He also treasured time outdoors, spending countless hours fishing local and regional lakes in search of the perfect "honey hole" full of crappie, bream, or bass.
Bernard passed peacefully at home, surrounded by care and compassion. His family extends heartfelt appreciation to Terri Stoker-Anchor of Care, as well as the many wonderful caretakers who loved Bernard deeply and served him with such kindness. A special recognition goes to Holly McCutcheon, a trusted helper and dear friend who loved him from the very first day to his last. Bernard spent many happy hours teaching them all to play dominoes, a game he delighted in sharing. The family is also profoundly grateful for the exceptional support from the professionals at Hearth Hospice.
He is survived by his siblings, Dr. Roy (Beatrice) Grant, Larry (Debbie) Grant, and Yvonne (Sam) Hood; his daughter, Wendy (Steve) Gibson; granddaughter Clair (Zachary); great-grandchildren Ezra Schoeffel, Ally Smith, and Owen Smith; sister-in-law Judy (David) Terry; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by siblings Ramona Durham and Tom (Janet) Grant.
If you knew Bernard, you knew his heart: he loved his Lord, he loved his family, and he lived with gratitude and joy. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and he leaves behind a legacy of faith, music, laughter, and love.
He now celebrates in Heaven-reunited with his sweetheart and singing praises for all of eternity.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, December 11,2025 with Dr. Matthew Warren and Allen Goolsby officiating. Interment will follow in Tennessee – Georgia Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday in the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour.
Music selections will be shared by the family.
Condolences can be shared with the family and livestreaming of the funeral service can be viewed at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com
Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home and Crematory South Crest Chapel,
Rossville, Georgia.