Randy Philip Grant, 62, of Wyanet, IL, died unexpectedly on September 21, 2023 in Princeton, IL. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton. Services will be held privately on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
Randy was born in Geneseo, IL on February 17, 1961, the son of Philip Irving Grant and Donna Lee Grant. He was raised in Cambridge, IL and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1979. He was a farmer for ten years before attending Worsham College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1991. He worked as a funeral director and went on to own and operate Grant-Johnson Funeral Homes for over twenty years, where he unwaveringly served Princeton, IL and the surrounding communities.
Randy embraced life with an unshakable work ethic, dedication, and a penchant for perfection. His jolly personality was marked by storytelling, infectious humor, and hearty laughter. He possessed the skills to build anything and fix anything. He found solace in gardening, cooking, and music. Randy enjoyed every moment shared with family and friends and was a well-known member of his community. His profound love for his children, grandchildren and beloved wife of 21 years were a testament to his affection and commitment. Randy's legacy is one of hard work and devotion, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Those survived to cherish his memory include his wife, Patricia Grant; three daughters, Sarah Cauble (Christopher Cauble) of Livingston, MT, Tuesday Winter (Dane Winter) of Denver, CO, and Paige Gilreath (Trevor Gilreath) of Billings, MT; sons, Bradley Worlow of Kewanee, IL, Jason Dockins (Jessica Dockins) of Champaign, IL, and Joshua Dockins (Lisa Dockins) of Bedford, NH; ten grandchildren, Makayla Dockins, Deagan Shofner, Bentley Worlow, Josiah Dockins, Theo Dockins, Willa Cauble, Virgo Dockins, Soren Winter, Freya Winter, and Clara Gilreath; and his sisters, Teresa Grant-Quick (Jerry Quick) of Coal Valley, IL and Regina Smith of St. Cloud, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Donna Grant, and three siblings in infancy, Randy Jay, Irving Philip, and Crystal Chell Grant.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Freedom House Illinois [https://freedomhouseillinois.org], American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Illinois [https://afsp.org/chapter/illinois], Bureau Valley FFA, or to his family. Online condolences may be made to his family at www.grant-johnsonfh.com
Visitation
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home, Princeton.
Address:
Grant-Johnson Funeral Homes
30 West Mechanics ST
Princeton, IL 61356
"I'm so sorry to the family for the loss of your husband an father! I pray that the good Lord will bring U all peace and calm hearts! May God bless U all and give U hope!"
"My sympathy's to the family. Randy and I spoke many times through the years. He was considered family. Randy was a great person that we shared many laughs with. I am so very sorry for the family. He will be missed."
"Randy was one of a kind. To say that he was a perfectionist would be an understatement. That being said and having worked with him for at least 23 years I always knew that each funeral we did together would go seamlessly. He knew his stuff when it came to funerals. I usually rode in the car with him on the way to the cemetery. We would catch up on the latest family news and such. Many times the rides were to cemeteries that were out of town. I always noticed Randy light up over the fields and any tractors or combines that we would see along the way . I know he was looking forward to retiring with Patricia, and farming with his friends. So sorry that he felt he couldn't stay any longer.
As we see the crops harvested and the farmers on the road let's all slow down and remember Randy. He had his struggles but he isn't defined just by those. He was hard working, funny (corny sometimes) he was talented and driven.
So many times I heard Randy speak these words at the close of the service at the cemetery....
"And now, as we leave, if you would like to come and place your hand on the casket and leave your handprint with .....
pallbearers come. "
Randy, you have touched our hearts and left an imprint in our community and in the lives of many along the way.
Rest in peace friend!"
"My heart goes out to the entire Grant family. Randy touched so many families (including mine) through his work. He was greatly respected and trusted. He will be missed."
"I am heartbroken for you, Patricia, and for all of Randy's family. He was bigger than life, and we will cherish our memories. Words can't convey the enormity of the sorrow his absence leaves. Sending prayers for peace and comfort in the coming days."
"I am so sorry for your loss. Randy took such good care of me and my family when husband passed. He was a kind and gentle heart. My prayers are with the family."
"Lifting your family up in prayers. Randy will be greatly missed. He was such a blessing with grieving families, my own included, many times over. I will always miss his banter & laughter. He always made everyone feel like family. Although we were cousins & didn't get to spend a lot of time together thru our younger years, we always hugged & caught up when we did get together. Sending you all hugs & keeping you in my thoughts during this difficult time."
"I remember riding the school bus with Randy as kids. Good times in High School. Never will forget his 4th of July parties. Listening to his band 100 Proof. I was a Maid of Honor in his first wedding. He was one of my Cousin Bennett's best friends -I will never forget the Eulogy that Randy gave at Bennett's funeral. I will forever remember Randy's laughter. That's the way I want to remember him. Condolences to his whole family, wishing you strength during this hard time."
"We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Randy's passing! Fred was honored to work along side him to help the grieving say good bye. Your family is in our prayers during this difficult time. Fred, Tammy, Blake & Cassie"
"Randy was one of the joys of the Class of 79, always looked so forward to seeing him, his joy and laughter will always be cherished. Personally speaking from kindergarten forward I had such a crush on him, my first boy kiss in 3rd grade. He took a piece of my heart with him!! Rest in peace my dear friend!!"
"So very sorry to hear of Randy's passing. As an organist at some funerals & his attending our daughter's funeral & burial, plus my brother's, also, we were so happy with his & his wife's attending to our needs. Their kindness will always be remembered. God bless you all !!!!!!!!
"
"Randy and my brother Dave were great friends while we were in school. Randy always had a smile and a great laugh when he saw you! We feel lucky that we saw Randy last at a service in Neponset. He had that great smile and laugh then for us. Randy always gave the best hugs. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss.
There just aren't any words other than how sorry we are. Always remember how very much he loved each and every one of you. Chris and Chip Helms & family"
"Randy was from the old School..He was a meticulous funeral director & embalmer..He always did everything the right way.... it was harder but, he said the easy way was the wrong way !
He helped alot of folks. he had a easy manner & a kind heart ,
I was lucky to know him"
"Patricia and family, thank you for being wonderful fun neighbors who always had time for a hello, a chat, a wave, or a laugh. The kids and I will always have wonderful memories of Halloween Costume Photo shoots and Trick or Treating, you were the highlight of our street, and probably the whole town. We don't have to tell you that Randy was a funny, kind, compassionate person who made an impression everywhere he went with his infectious laugh- and we will always remember him. Lifting you up and sending love!"
"To Patricia and Randy's family- so many will mourn the loss you have as he touched so many families in his work and his life. He brought a smile out of you when you didn't feel one. That's the one I will always be grateful for, that was a friend to all he met. May God be all of you at this very sad time."
"To my beloved daughters,
This is an incredibly challenging and painful moment for our family. Losing your dad is a profound loss, and I share in your grief. His passing leaves a void that can never be filled.
In remembrance of him, celebrate the beautiful transformation that occurred as you all grew older. His love for you was real, and as you navigate this desperate time, remember the moments of joy and connection you shared.
Remember that his struggles were his own, and it in no way diminishes the love he had for you, or of his grand babies.
I need you to know that you are not alone. We will cherish the beautiful moments you shared with him and carry forward the love he had for you, making it a part of our own journey.
Deepest sympathy from my heart and soul,
Mommy
"It's a Hard Time" ~100 Proof
"
"our family offers our deepest condolences to the Grant family. The devotion and wonderful help that he offered to our family when we needed it most, will not be forgotten. He was always a friend to us whenever we met."
"Our hearts are breaking for you, Patricia and family. Randy was an amazing perfectionist in all things he did. We love you and are keeping you in our prayers. Connie and Rich"
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