Henry Stanton Granger

Henry Stanton Granger, Sr. “Redd”, was the second child born on November 9,1931 to Howard and Classie Stanton Granger in Sumpter County, on the state line between Mississippi and Alabama.

 Redd, as a boy, made an unforgettable mark in life: attending school one year earlier than he was supposed to have been enrolled.  He had the best of both worlds, attending school in Alabama and worshipping in Mississippi. 

He garnered the reputation as the “fighter” in the family, sometimes volunteering to physically fight the battles for his brothers and sisters. 

At an early age in the Binnsville River Community in Scooba, Mississippi, he received Christ at Green Chapel Baptist Church, where members of the Granger Family were original founding members.

In 1948, his family moved to Etowah County Alabama, seeking a better life.  Henry was a restless soul in Etowah County, and decided to move to Birmingham in 1950 to seek fame and fortune.  He often said the fame and fortune came not in the form of monetary and worldly value, but in the human and physical form of Mary Louise Minard. After completing school and moving to Birmingham, Henry began a 34-year career at U.S Steel.  Because of his mental aptitude, he was selected to participate in a pilot program to receive training and certifications in electronics and diversification; becoming one of 3 young black men at the time to receive these honors, professional recognition, and degrees.

On June 8,1951, Henry married the love of his life, Mary Louise Minard, who he affectionately called “Girl”.  They lived for each other for 33 years, before her light was extinguished in 1984.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Classie Granger, his beloved wife, Mary Louise, three brothers, William, James, and Ponce.

Henry was a devoted member of First Baptist Church West End, where he served as the Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Teacher, and Male Chorus Member. He was one of the organizers for the Eureka Neighborhood Development Corporation.

He was also a Master Mason in Steele Sceptor 649. 

Those left to cherish his memory, his son Henry Jr., (Patricia), daughters Kerrye Granger Veale, (Russell), Veda Granger Carroll, (Winston), 8 grand-children, 11 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren. Two brothers, Charles, (Bessie) Granger, Nathaniel Granger, three sisters, Florence Granger Shorter, Scarlet Granger West, Maggie Hawkins, four sisters-in-law, Mary Lee Granger, Daisey Granger, Deborah Barnes Granger, and Mary Alice Granger. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Two special long-life friends, Bennie and Hazel Fair. 

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