Grant was one of the most kind hearted people I’ve ever met. He was a gentle giant. There are several stories I could share. Grant and I became close friends over the last few years, and I am forever humbled. From drinking margaritas, enjoying extremely strong coffee that no one else wants to drink, 4am phone calls to making a massive pot of Mac and cheese (5lbs of cheese), and laughing over the dumbest jokes. Grant, Hunter, and I were the “3 amigos”. We did several things, if not all things, together. One of my favorite things about him was his genuine selfless love for others, and how he was so unapologetically himself. One of the funniest things to me is small condiments, like mini Tabasco sauces. G would pull out the mini sauce and put it on the table and would wait for me to notice it and giggle. He surprised me with a set of mini sauces after church one day. Another favorite thing about G was that we both work out early in the morning. Each Monday we would send a “WOO” message to our group chat, including Stacey Hill. Many knew him from his athletic achievements in football, but he also threw 203’ in the discus in high school, which is incredible. One of the things that people may not know is that yes he is a mans man, complete with the muscle, long duck dynasty beard, tall, tough persona...but he loves his kitty, Allie. He would often take her with him when visiting his Tuscaloosa apartment (he had to wear headphones because she would meow the whole time). 

The thing that gives me the most peace and comfort with his passing is that Grant had a thirst for Christ. I know this is a very tragic and devastating time for all of us. This is not a goodbye, but a see you later. I love you G money, I am proud to call you my “big brother” and best friend. I joke and say that G is smoking some ribs for Jesus right now. See you soon.

I met Grant several years ago when his dad brought him in for a haircut. At 4 foot 10 myself, I was flabbergasted! How am I supposed to cut the hair of a man who is taller than I am while sitting down!? Grant's sweet and compassionate nature was immediately apparent. With a shy grin he slid down in his chair so I could reach him. Since then, I have looked forward to his sporadic visits to the salon. Not only did I enjoy helping him grow out his wonderful mane of hair and his truly godly beard, but I loved every minute of our conversations. Grant was indeed a gentle giant. But his brawn had a wonderful brain driving him. I was so proud of him when he graduated college and I applauded his initial career choice in counseling. When he told me that he had enrolled in a doctorate program I was over the moon happy for him. I loved hearing his views on current events as well as his opinions on local news, favorite music, and new movies. I wish I had been brave enough to tell him how much I had come to care about him, not just as a client but as a person. He was a wonderful man and I feel truly blessed to have known him. He will be forever missed by me, his family, and everyone whose lives he touched. God bless you and keep you, Grant ♡