J. Larry Grant, age 69, passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at his home after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Missouri, grew up in Michigan and graduated from Garden City High School in Garden City, Mich., as a member of the class of 1961.

Larry entered the University of Southern Mississippi as a music education major. While at USM, he was a member of the Pride marching band, a member of Phi Beta Mu national school bandmaster fraternity and served as president of the national chapter of Music Educators of America.

After completing his degree, Larry started his teaching career in West Point, Miss., then relocated to Vicksburg as assistant director of Big Blue. He was instrumental in establishing the tradition of excellence that became the band’s trademark. He was extremely proud of his association with the young men and women who worked so diligently to create that reputation.

Larry retired from Grand Gulf in 2008 after 28 years of service.

Mr. Grant was an avid golfer and baseball fan. His favorite team was the Detroit Tigers. Mr. Grant was also an avid USM fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff Miley Grant and Gladys Sloan Grant; and his sister, Doreen Grant Brock.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Israel Grant; a son, Jeff Alan Grant and his wife, Stefanie, of Madison; a daughter, Sara Grant Heusinger of Vicksburg; three grandsons, Todd Ryan Heusinger of Vicksburg, and Jeff Parker Grant and William Shelby Grant, both of Madison; a niece, Heather McGee Camp and her husband, Eric, of Austin, Texas; nephews, Mason Eugene Brock and Mitchell Grant Brock, both of Austin; and a great-nephew, Trevor James Camp of Austin.

A Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, July 28, 2012, at 10 a.m. at Frank J. Fisher Funeral Home. Visitation will be tonight, July 27, 2012, from 5 until 7 at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Alan Grant, Eric Camp, Jerry DeFatta, Charlie Waite, Brad Heisler and Keith Gordon.

Honorary pallbearers will be Todd Heusinger, Parker Grant, Louis Decell, Drs. Russell Barnes and Martin Newcomb and the members of Clear Creek Senior Golf Association.

Larry’s family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate care offered by Connie Wooley and Carlette Goldsberry of Amedysis Home Health, Michelle Spray of Patient’s Choice Hospice and his personal sitter, Helena Williams.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Larry’s honor to the American Cancer Society or the University of southern Mississippi’s Pride of Mississippi Marching Band.