Billy Grannis

Billy Bruce Grannis, 89, husband of Marjorie C. Grannis, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2015 at Fleming County Hospital. He was born August 17, 1925 in Fleming County, just up the road from where he currently resided, to the late Jack and Lucille Estill Grannis.

A lifelong farmer, Billy has been an outstanding role model for not only his family, but for leadership for the young farmers. Billy was very active with Fleming County Farm Bureau, having served in every leadership position on the board. He served on numerous other committees such as, Fleming County District Soil Conservation Board for over 40 years - 30 of those years as the Chairman; the Burley Tobacco Growers Co-Operative for over 20 years where he has served as director as well as on various committees; RC&D Council since the 1970's having served as Vice-Chairman on this board; founding member of the Licking River Valley Conservation District; Southern States Board from 1979 to 1998; and Fleming County Extension Council for 16 years.

Billy has served his Flemingsburg Christian Church as a deacon since 1960 and was elected Deacon Emeritus in August of 2011. He has served on the Christian Education Committee for 9 years, the Membership and Evangelism Committee for 2 years, the World Outreach Committee for 1 year, the Property Committee and Trustee for 26 years, serving as both Vice Chair and Chair. Billy has also been honored by many awards such as; Master Conservationist - 1997; Goodyear Conservation Award - 1997; Fleming County Chamber of Commerce 'Farmer of the Year' - 1987; FFA State Farmer Key - 1942; Licking River RC&D Certificate of Merit - 1996; and Fleming County FFA having served as Treasurer for 2 years while in high school.

Besides his wife, he is survived by: three daughters, Karen (Bobby) Newsom, Sharon (David) Barnett, and Nancye (Billy) Black; a son, Wayne (Kim) Grannis; grandchildren, Billy (Jennifer) Newsom, Robby (Lynna) Newsom, Jimmy (Virginia) Newsom, Staci (Nick) Thrasher, Sarah (Dustin) Hamm, Michele (Adam) Hawkins, Melissa (Justin) Fickey, Jennifer (Brian) Stokes, Jill (Matt) Jones, Josh Grannis, and Jordan Grannis; great-grandchildren, Bryce, Logan, Emily, Ava, Katie, Gracey, and Byrdi Newsom, Haleigh Jo Thrasher, Hunter Hamm, Clay and Will Hawkins, Brianna and Bradley Stokes, and Aubrey and Brady Jones; step-great-grandchildren, Brady Poston, and Johnny Stokes; a sister, Betty Lou (Nelson) Donaldson of Lexington; three sisters-in-law, JoAnn Grannis, Loretta Grannis, and Jane Gooding; a brother-in-law, Bobby Campbell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by: a sister, Ruth Cotterill; and four brothers, Jackie, Jimmy, Bobby, and Sydney Grannis.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday, January 10, 2015 at the Flemingsburg Christian Church officiated by the Rev. Peter Morgan and the Rev. Norman Wasson. Visitation will be 6-9 pm Friday, January 9th at the Flemingsburg Christian Church. Burial will be in Fleming County Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Billy Newsom, Robby Newsom, Jimmy Newsom, David Barnett, Bobby Newsom, and Josh Grannis. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Black, Matt Jones, Brian Stokes, Adam Hawkins, Dustin Hamm, Justin Fickey, Sam Gooding, Steve Grannis, Jordan Grannis, Bobby Campbell, Nick Thrasher, and Larry Gooding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Flemingburg Christian Church Scholarship Fund or Memorial Fund, 201 E. Water St., Flemingsburg, KY 41041 or to a charity of one's choice. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Carpenter-Fritz & Vice Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at www.carpenterfritzvicefh.com

Visitation:
6-9 pm Friday (01/09/15) at Flemingsburg Christian Church

Funeral:
11:00 am Saturday (01/10/15) at Flemingsburg Christian Church

Interment:
Fleming County Cemetery