Obituary Examples for Grandfather

William "Bill" Harrison Sr.
September 3, 1925 – February 15, 2024
Nashville, Tennessee

William "Bill" Harrison Sr., beloved grandfather, father, husband, and WWII veteran, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024, at the age of 98, at his home in Nashville. Born on September 3, 1925, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late James and Ella Harrison, Bill grew up during the Great Depression, a time that taught him the value of hard work, humility, and gratitude.

At 18, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII, earning a Purple Heart for his bravery. After the war, he returned to Tennessee and married his high school sweetheart, Margaret, in 1947. Together they raised three children: William Jr., Barbara, and Thomas. Bill worked as a farmer for over 50 years, tending to his land and raising cattle—he often said, "The land gives back what you put into it, just like family."

As a grandfather to 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, Bill was known for his endless stories of the war, his homemade peach jam, and his ability to fix anything with a hammer and some duct tape. He taught his grandkids how to fish, how to respect the land, and how to stand up for what’s right—lessons they will carry with them forever.

Bill was a lifelong member of the American Legion, a deacon at Nashville First Methodist Church, and a volunteer at the local VA hospital for over 30 years. He loved bluegrass music, playing the harmonica, and watching the Tennessee Volunteers football games with his family.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Margaret (2018), his parents James and Ella Harrison, and his brother Robert Harrison. He is survived by his children William (Susan) Harrison Jr., Barbara (Mike) Wilson, and Thomas (Lisa) Harrison; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Jones.

A funeral service with military honors will be held on February 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Nashville First Methodist Church, 123 Oak Street, Nashville, TN. Interment will follow at Nashville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Bill’s honor.

Robert "Bob" Lee
May 12, 1930 – December 10, 2023
Portland, Oregon

Robert "Bob" Lee, 93, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2023, with his family by his side. Born in Portland to George and Helen Lee, Bob was a loving father to two children, a proud grandfather to five, and a great-grandfather to three.

Bob worked as a logger for over 40 years, spending his days in the forests of Oregon. He loved hunting, fishing, and telling stories of his days in the woods. He was a veteran of the Korean War and a member of the local VFW post.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and his son, David. He is survived by his daughter, Susan, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his brother, John.

A private family service with military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oregon Forestry Association.

Joseph "Papa Joe" Martinez
August 22, 1938 – January 5, 2024
San Antonio, Texas

Joseph "Papa Joe" Martinez—our beloved Papa, the king of BBQ, and the best storyteller in Texas—left this world on January 5, 2024, to grill in heaven with his buddies. Born in San Antonio to Luis and Maria Martinez, Papa Joe was a lifelong Texan who loved his state, his family, and his brisket (in that order).

Papa Joe worked as a mechanic for over 40 years, fixing cars for anyone who needed help—even if they couldn’t pay. He was famous in the neighborhood for his weekend BBQs, where he’d cook enough brisket and ribs to feed the whole block. As a grandfather to 7 grandchildren, he taught them how to change a tire, how to make the perfect margarita, and how to never back down from a challenge (or a game of dominoes).

He loved Tejano music, dancing with his wife, Maria, and watching the San Antonio Spurs play basketball. He was a member of the local Elks Lodge and a volunteer at the community food bank for over 20 years.

Papa Joe is survived by his wife Maria of 60 years; his children Luis, Maria, and Carlos; his grandchildren; and his loyal dog, Chico. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Miguel.

Instead of a traditional funeral, we invite you to join us for a BBQ in Papa Joe’s honor on January 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM at his backyard (123 Main Street, San Antonio). Bring your favorite lawn chair, a side dish to share, and let’s celebrate the man who made every day a party. In lieu of flowers, bring a donation for the food bank—Papa Joe would have wanted it that way.