August 5, 2021, 90, Illinois –
Mr. Julius Coley Grantham Sr. affectionally called “JC”, son of the late Freddie and Luecrattie Coley Grantham was born May 6, 1931, in Wayne County. He departed this life at the age of 90, on August 5, 2021, in Belleville, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his siblings: David Grantham, Freddie Grantham Jr., Eva Satterfield and Ruby Grantham Edwards.
A memorial celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11:00 am at J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home & Cremations, 1701 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC.
Julius grew up in Wayne County, completing his educational studies in the Wayne County Public school system. Upon graduation from High School, he was drafted into the United States Air Force in 1953 at that time, Julius began his more than 30 years of service to our Nation.
During his career, Julius was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal and several other Air Force achievements. He achieved the esteemed rank of Chief Master Sergeant. During his tenure in the Air Force, he traveled throughout the entire United States with assignments in the following locations North Carolina, California, New York, Ohio and several overseas assignments that included Guam, Thailand, Germany, Japan and Vietnam. JC was a proud military man who treated everyone with respect and was for speaking his mind in every situation. JC never burned any bridges, he maintained a connection with so many of his Air Force comrades, that they became family through his storytelling.
He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1979. After his retirement, JC and Maxine made their home in Belleville, Illinois. He was the proud proprietor of SCOTT LODGE MOTEL for many years located adjacent to Scott Air Force. During this time, Mr. Grantham held numerous local, State and National positions with the Veterans of Foreign War of the United States (VFW).
Before the declining health of his wife, JC was an active member of Greater Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church Lebanon, IL.
On January 5, 1957, JC married the former Glennie Maxine Richardson of Pikeville, North Carolina. This was the beginning of a loving and committed marriage that spanned over 64 years. From this union there were four children. He was a family man and mentor to many. He never met a stranger; his smile was infectious it attracted everyone to him.
JC is survived by his wife, Maxine of the home, his children, two daughters Sandra Osborne(Mechanicville, New York), Pamela Grantham (Greensboro, North Carolina) two sons Julius Jr.(Belleville, Ill) and Retired UASF COL. Frederick Grantham (Donna) Colorado Springs, Co. six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, Sister-In-Law Elnora B. Grantham (Goldsboro NC) two nieces Esther Jordan (Silver Springs, Maryland), Laverna Parker (Greenville, NC) nephew US Army (Ret) 1SG Eddie L. Edwards III (Charlyne) (Goldsboro, NC) and many other relatives and friends.
Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning!
Services of compassionate and distinguished class entrusted to J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home & Cremations of Goldsboro.
