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Congressional Daily Record
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April 9, 2026
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Retired Sergeant First Class Willie B. Granville, Sr., of Columbus, Georgia, who passed away on March 27, 2026, at the age of 91. A funeral service to celebrate his remarkable life was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Pinehurst Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.
Born July 12, 1934, in Bonaire, Georgia, Mr. Granville answered the call to service at the age of 16 when he enlisted in the United States Army. He served his Nation with distinction for thirty years and retired from Fort Benning on April 30, 1980, with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Following his military career, he continued to serve the Fort Benning community as a Motor Vehicle Operator with the Federal Government from August 11, 1980, until his retirement on March 31, 1997. During his years of service, he received numerous awards recognizing his dedication to safety, logistics, and mission support, including contributions during Operation Desert Storm.
A man of deep faith, Mr. Granville gave his life to Christ on March 5, 1978, and became a faithful member of Pinehurst Baptist Church, where he served for 48 years. He led the church transportation ministry and personally drove the church bus so families without transportation could attend services. A devoted Mason, he was a member of Mt. Pisgah No. 53, PHA, and his commitment to community, brotherhood, and service was evident in every aspect of his life.
Mr. Granville was also a devoted family man and a familiar, beloved presence throughout Fort Benning and Columbus. He earned his high school diploma from Jordan Vocational Night School later in life, exemplifying perseverance and a commitment to lifelong learning. Known affectionately as the “Peanut Man” by many soldiers and community members, he combined hard work and entrepreneurship with warmth and hospitality. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and cherishing time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—who lovingly called him “Granddaddy.”
“As General Colin L. Powell so wisely said, `There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.' This truth was lived each day by Willie Granville.”
Mr. Granville is survived by his children, Tony Lee (Tina) Granville, Chris Cha (Kenneth) Felton, and Willie B. (Miszi) Granville, Jr.; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Dorothy Granville, Ida
Morgan, and Roxie Walker; his special friend Anna Foster; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel “Radney” Granville; his parents, Deacon General Granville, Sr. and Hattie Dumas Granville; sisters Betty and Evelyn Granville; and brothers Jessie, General, Jr., Roosevelt, Hollis, and Johnnie Granville, Sr.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and me along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's 2nd Congressional District in honoring the life of Mr. Willie Granville, Sr. His life was a testament to duty, faith, and community. His steadfast commitment to his fellow soldiers, his church, and his neighbors left an indelible mark on all who knew him. I join his family, friends, and the Columbus community in mourning his loss and in giving thanks for his many years of faithful service. May his memory be a blessing and an inspiration to future generations.