Willie Joe Grant, was born on September 8, 1943, in Augusta, Georgia. Mr. Grant left us on March 3, 2026, while residing in Cassatt, South Carolina. 

In the words of BB King, a musician Willie greatly admired, "The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you." Willie lived these words, spending his life exploring and mastering the art of cooking. His passion led him to the bustling kitchens of New York, where he stood out not just for his culinary skills but also for his charismatic personality and his ability to infuse love into every dish he created. Beyond the kitchen and his guitar, Willie loved working with his hands, tinkering with tractors and cars, a hobby that reflected his ability to create and fix.

Willie was a loving son, a dutiful father, grandfather, great grandfather and a loyal friend and will be truly missed. He is survived by his children, Yvonne Grant Gilyard (Michael), Cynthia Pugh (Ellis), Lamareé  Adams, James Smith (Amanda), Nina Jones, Francisco "Sean" Burroughs; sister, Dorothy Johnson; grandchildren, Shavonne Gilyard, Shanta Pringle, Brittney (Terrance) Settles, Rashad Gardner, Alana Smith, Kaila Smith, Mia D'Agostino, Clinton Jones, Deondre Ransom, Xavier Todd, Kei'asiah Johnson, Aniyah Grant; and great grandchildren, Taylor, Brooke, Jade, Caysen, Kory, Kayla, Carter, Landon, Tristan, Jordan, Jacob, Julian, Aareya, Logan, Aurora, Angel; special friend, Clara Sheppard and bestfriend, Trish Green. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Grant, loving parents, Benny and Lizzie Grant; son, Kelvin Grant; and siblings, John Grant, Marion Grant, Mary Grant, Lizzie Grant (daughter) and Bennie Grant (son). 

Services for Mr. Grant will be privately held by the family.