Richard Lowell “Buddy” Grantier II, 60, passed away on Friday, February 4th, 2022, in his son’s home in Mountain Brook, AL from ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Buddy was born in Louisville, Kentucky on June 22, 1961, to Joan Grantier Wochomurka (who currently lives in Kiln, MS) and Richard Lowell “Bud” Grantier (who passed away in Idaho on September 8, 2021). Buddy grew up in Louisville, Mississippi and graduated from Louisville High School in 1979. Buddy was mentored by his scout leader “Big Iron” who he regarded as a strong father figure in his life. Buddy graduated from Mississippi State University with an Architectural degree in 1986.  He initially worked for the State of Mississippi, and then for the last 25+ years he started and owned his own architectural firm called Grantier Architecture that was based out of Jackson, MS and Louisville, MS. Buddy was married to Teresa Russ Wall for 25+ years and had two boys: Richard Lowell “Beau” Grantier III and Joshua “Caleb” Grantier. Caleb passed away on August 20, 2016 at his home in Jackson, MS. Buddy was engaged to Rochelle “Chelle” Reed Jordan at the end of his life. Buddy’s ALS symptoms started in the summer of 2021; however, they were more apparent in October/November 2021. He initially started to have weakness in his right arm and finally had the official diagnosis in early January 2022 of ALS. This disease rapidly progressed, and he was placed on hospice due to respiratory problems. Buddy was cared for by multiple caregivers, his mother Joan, and sister Jenny Lynn Grantier Treanor during his last months. The last week of his life he lived in Mountain Brook, AL with his son Beau, daughter-in law Grace Eckford Grantier, and four grandchildren: Richard Lowell “Wells” Grantier IV (9), Adelaide “Addie” Love Grantier (7), Shepherd William Grantier (5), and Pierce Vandy Grantier (4). Buddy is survived by his mother Joan; son Beau; daughter-in-law Grace; grandchildren: Wells, Addie Love, Shepherd, and Pierce; fiancé: Chelle; sisters: Jenny and Laura Kay Hammond; and brothers: Phillip “Phil” Andrew Grantier and Benjamin “Ben” David Grantier.

Buddy deeply experienced life through nature, people, and God. 

He absolutely loved nature. At the end of his life, he and his fiancé Chelle spent countless hours exploring and camping across the US. They had hopes to one day open an agritourism business. They were already tending to horses, chickens and bees while cultivating a vibrant blueberry farm. He often wore a hat with the words, “The Mountains are Calling and I must Go”, which captures his drive to be in nature.

Buddy had a natural ability to connect with all who were around him. At the end when he should have been using his breathing machine more, he spent his energy talking and connecting with his caregivers and family members. He enjoyed the “10 Second Rule” which is where each grandkid and family member would spend at least 10 seconds staring in his eyes in order to connect beyond surface level. He also loved to make others smile and himself smile by being goofy and silly. For those that knew him, I bet if you closed your eyes and thought of him, then you could see his big, handsome smile. Don’t forget to smile today. ;)

Buddy (aka: “Pops” to his grandkids) spent every morning and evening with his grandkids, son, and daughter-in-law the last week of his life.  One of those days, one of his grandchildren spilt something on his shirt and began to cry. Pops told him, “It’s okay, bud; it’s not about being perfect it’s about spending time with others”. From this story and the way he lived his life, Buddy (Pops) would want us to know that the goal in life is not about being perfect, but about investing time and energy toward deep relationship with others.

Lastly, Buddy was always trying to figure things out. Whether it was figuring out how to design multiple buildings as a successful architect or figuring out the complexities of life. He was driven by this deep desire for authentic, inclusive truth. In his pursuit of God he always wanted something real and honest. Before his ALS symptoms started, he told his son, “For the first time ever, I am able to call Jesus the Lord of my life”. 

Buddy’s family wants to specifically thank each caregiver who cared for him at the end of his life. Buddy and his family are genuinely thankful to have each of you love on him in such a tough season. Buddy said you were the light in his “Winter Season”. Thank you!

Buddy’s ashes will be laid to rest at Alphonse G. Malley Memorial Cemetery in Kiln, MS. There will be a gravesite memorial service at this location on Saturday, February 26th, 2022 at 10:30AM followed by fellowship time in his honor. Buddy requested that in lieu of flowers that you would consider donating to the ALS society in his memory. 

Buddy’s Business Website: