Charles Whitley Granberry Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

It is with great sadness that the family of Charles Whitley Granberry, born June 3, 1927, in Jacksonville, AR, announces that he passed away peacefully in his home on April 1, 2022, at the age of 94. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Patricia Knoedl Granberry of Perry, AR, his children Steve Granberry of Perry, AR, Mary Beth Granberry of Weed, CA, Mark Granberry of Little Rock, AR, Phillip Granberry of Boston, MA, Rita Granberry of Cedar Crest, NM, Lou Granberry of McKinney, TX, Neil Granberry of Cleveland, AR and Chris Granberry of Perry, AR. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Claude and Mattie Granberry, sisters Marion Schulte and Frances Granberry and grandson Michael Thomas Granberry. Charles was born in Jacksonville, AR and at the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country during World War II. He served in the Pacific Theater of Operations till the end of the war in 1945 and was part of the military occupation of Japan after the Japanese surrender, at which time he was discharged and returned home to finish his education. He was called to serve his country again in 1950 during the Korean War where he served aboard the USS Graffias (AF-29) in direct support of the Korean Theater of Operations. He decided to make the Navy his career and was assigned to many duty stations. In 1968 he deployed to South Vietnam for his third combat deployment. He ultimately retired as a Chief Hospital Corpsman (HMC) in 1971 ending a distinguished military career that took him around the globe in defense of his country. His personal decorations include the Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with Silver Star, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Reserve Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He spent over half his military career in support of various U.S. Marine Corps Fleet Marine Force (FMF) units as a Hospital Corpsman. Upon his military retirement he worked for the Veterans Administration in Little Rock and later furthered his education by studying Horticulture at Petit Jean Vocational College. He founded Granberry Landscape Maintenance Company in Little Rock and operated a nursery growing crepe myrtles until fully retiring to Perry, AR in 1989. Charles was never one to sit still. He had a passion for gardening and collecting a vast array of antiques. In his post retirement years Charles and Pat travelled extensively, visiting all the lower forty-eight states and many friends, shipmates and family members along the way. He continued his love of gardening, and one would always find him outside working or resting. Charles devoted his life to his wife Pat and his eight children. He will be remembered as a dedicated, hardworking, kind, unselfish and determined man. He would never hesitate to help a friend, neighbor or family member who needed his help. He leaves a strong legacy of service to country, family and others that will last forever. “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). He was a member of Saint Elizabeth Catholic church of Oppelo, AR for over 32 years where he always attended Sunday Mass. The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Nikki Long for her many devoted years of caring for Charles. Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at Harris Funeral Home with visitation following until 8:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6th at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church by Father Thomas J. Hart. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Oppelo. “Fair Winds and Following Seas” Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net

Charles Whitley Granberry

June 3, 1927 - April 1, 2022