Deacon Willie L. Grant Jr. was born on August 6, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Willie Lee Grant, Sr. and Clara Lawson Grant. He was also welcomed into the family by his older sister, Dorothy Sue Grant, and became the first of four sons born to the Grant family. Raised in the Hyde Park community of North Memphis, Willie attended Hyde Park Elementary School and later graduated from nearby Douglass High School. According to his brother, George, Willie was the perfect big brother. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, leadership, and a caring spirit. As a young man, he delivered newspapers for the Memphis World and the Tri-State Defender, delivered groceries for neighborhood stores, sold wall plaques, flower seeds, and food seeds throughout the community. He often encouraged his brothers to join him in these ventures, offering guidance, support, and opportunity. These moments became some of the earliest examples of the servant-hearted man Willie would become. 

After graduating from high school, Willie spent a year working in the automobile industry in Detroit, Michigan, before answering the call to serve his country by volunteering for the United States Air Force. He proudly served for 20 years and 6 months, building an honorable military career that took him throughout the world, including assignments in Texas, Wyoming, Korea, Indiana, Japan, England, Vietnam, Florida, North Dakota, and Alabama. His years of service reflected the discipline, integrity, and commitment that defined his life. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Willie worked with Tull Metals Company in Tampa, Florida, from 1977 until his retirement in 1997. While stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, Willie met the love of his life, Bettye Rhea Grant. The two were united in marriage October 26, 1968, and celebrated 57 beautiful years together in 2025. Their marriage was built on faith, love, friendship and unwavering devotion. Together they built a life centered on God, family, and service to others. For their entire married life, Willie and Bettye faithfully served as members of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Affectionately known as “Brother Grant,” or “Deacon Grant” Willie dedicated his life to ministry and service within the church. He served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent and was a proud member of the Married Couples Ministry, Usher Board #1, Usher Board #2, and the Male Usher Board. He also served in the Evangelism Ministry and the Saving Our Children Ministry, where he faithfully provided transportation for children. He also drove the church van to pick up church members in need not only for worship service but also for Vacation Bible School. Willie’s servant heart extended far beyond the church walls. He volunteered at the VA Hospital and Meals on Wheels program for 20 years, faithfully delivering meals to seniors and disabled individuals throughout the Tampa community. He was known for always showing up when others needed help. Whether it was providing transportation to church, doctor appointments, the grocery store, running errands, assisting with bills, or helping with small home repairs and yard work, Willie quietly served others with love and humility. To many seniors and neighbors, he became the son, brother, and friend they did not have nearby. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Lee Grant, Sr. and Clara Lawson Grant; brother, John Grant; second mother, Beathe Waller Grant; and niece, Barbara Beathe Ector. Willie and Bettye lovingly became known as “Uncle Willie” and “Aunt Bettye” to many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished loved ones. 

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted and loving wife of 57 years, Bettye Rhea Grant; brothers, George (Deborah) Grant and Maurice Grant; sister, Dorothy Simpson; sisters-in-law, Alsiene (Rev. Hoy) Miller and Dora Dixon; sister-cousins, Gloria Thompkins and Brenda Fields; nieces, Melanie (Tyree) Jones, Genine Grant and Tscharner Myrick; nephews, Floyd Simpson, Jr., Shannon (Dwauna) Maura, Gary Maura, Carey (Yolanda) Grant and Derek Dixon; along with a host of cousins, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, dear friends, church family and all whose lives were touched by his kindness and service. Deacon Willie L. Grant, Jr. loved the Lord deeply, knew His Word, and lived a life that reflected his favorite principle: service. His legacy of faith, humility, compassion, and dedication to others will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.