Sandy Lee Grant

Sandy Lee Grant, 68, of Marion, passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones on January 8th, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. 

Sandy was born on February 3rd, 1955 to Charles Crawford Grant & Nellie Sue Gilliland. He was predeceased by his Father, Charles Grant & his twin brother Randy Grant who all shared the same birthdate. His Mother, Nellie Gilliland, and great-grandson James Williams. Sandy was a veteran and served his country in the US Marine Corps.

Sandy was the owner of Silver Dollar Pawn shop, where he was able to fulfill his desire for helping others and where he loved wheelin’ & dealin’. He was a talented musician and a proud founding member of the RoadRunnerz Band. Although he was a proud marine, a successful businessman, and a talented musician, the titles he loved most were “DADDY” “HUSBAND” “PAPAW” “SON” “BROTHER” UNCLE” “NEPHEW” “MENTOR” and “FRIEND.” 

Additionally, Sandy had a knack for finding hidden treasures at flea markets, yard sales & thrift stores. He loved the thrill of the hunt and had an eye for unique and interesting items. Sandy was also known for his laid-back nature and enjoyed spending time loaferin’, taking it easy, and appreciating life's simple pleasures or just having dinner as a family at home. Sandy was adventurous and loved going to places like cabins, beaches, racetracks, rodeos, and ball games. He was a wonderful and powerful storyteller who always had a joke and a twinkle in his eye. Most of all he loved being a Daddy and Papaw to all. Sandy left behind a legacy of treating everyone the same and valuing every person, ingraining these values in his children, grandchildren, and all those who knew him. 

He is survived by a large, loving family, including his wife of fifty wonderful years, Virginia Kay Grant. Left to Cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are 7 children, Kelly Grant (Cindy), Tanya Williams (Chris), Marshall Grant (Jessica), Amber Grant, Haley Ward (Josh), Justin “Vito” Grant (Leslie), and Chucky Moody.  

His brothers Billy Grant (Marie), Ray Grant (Jan), Johnny Grant, and Alan Grant, and his sisters Shelia Morgan and Brenda Smith (Rob) also mourn the loss of their beloved sibling while cherishing the memories they shared.

He leaves behind 20 Grandchildren: Katelyn (Dustin), Alix, Jacob (Mirinda), Charlie, Sawyer, Henry, Sarah, Sydney, Kenley, Ethan, Addison, and Mason, Riley, Clayton, Cora, AJ, Connor & River. Sandy was also blessed with two step-granddaughters, Chrissy Burton (Brian) and Nikki Chester (Kenneth).

In hopes of loving and spoiling forever, he had six dear great-grandchildren Sophie, Nala, Colton, Wyatt, Parker, and Ivory and seven step-great-grandchildren Liam, Jonas, Reece, Isaac, Madison, Kaidence, and Myles.

He had special lifelong friends Jeff & Missy Queen and Donald “Roundman” Conner whom he called “brother” as well as many others. Sandy was a man of laughter, generosity, and dedication, constantly striving to make the world a little brighter for those around him. He loved hard and fought harder. His strength was an inspiration to all. He always had kind words of wisdom, an ear to lend, and advice to give. He saw in the good in everyone and he loved to help people in any way that he could. He did not want his family and friends to be sad, cry, and mourn for him. 

In honor of his wishes, A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 13th at 3:00 p.m. at the Lucky Strike Gold Mine in Marion. Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Sandy are invited to attend and share their memories of this remarkable man. 

Sandy never liked to say goodbye, instead, he would often leave people with words of advice. For example, “Be careful, be sweet, and be smart & I love you.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made directly to his wife, Kay to help with expenses.