PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA – Dr. Norman Bridges Grantham, Jr. passed away August 14 in Palm Harbor, FL at the age of 90 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Laurel Grantham of Palm Harbor.
Norman was born in Smithfield, NC in 1933 and graduated from Smithfield High School and UNC School of Dentistry in 1956. After graduation he joined the United States Air Force and spent 3 years in Evreux, France as a base dentist. Upon return to the United States, he went into private practice for many years. He was a longtime member and past president of the NC American Dental Society. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the North Carolina National Guard and retired from military service in 1993 with the rank of Full Colonel.
Norman was an active member of the Smithfield Rotary Club (and past president), and the American Legion (past Commander). He was an Eagle Scout and continued service to the Tuscarora Boy Scout Council for many years. He was one of the founders of the Johnston County Regional Airport and served for many years on the Airport Board. His love of flying went all the way back to his high school years when he rode his bicycle from Smithfield to Selma to take flying lessons. Since Norman was a fully licensed pilot, he then joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in North Carolina. He flew his Cessna on missions to patrol the coastline and military installations in both NC and Florida. He was an active member of the Clearwater Coast Guard Flotilla 11-1.
He is survived by his son, Norman (Bricky) Grantham in Smithfield NC, his daughter Mary Linda Kirksey in Morganton NC and her husband Carl, and his daughter Elizabeth McBroom in Littleton, CO and her husband Jeff. He is also survived by stepchildren, Christopher Provan in Oviedo, Fl and wife Linda, Susan Thomas in Odessa FL and her husband Roy, and Matthew Provan of Summerville, NC and his wife Marichu. He is also survived by his former wife, Mary Edna Grantham of Smithfield, NC, eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
His curiosity and fun-loving nature continue in the lives of his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Norman B. Grantham, Sr. and Hilda P. Grantham, he is preceded in death by his brother Joseph S. Grantham and sister Hilda ’Cinda’ Fisher.
Norman was a very accomplished man and a wonderful husband. He lived a life of service and a dedication for the dental profession and his military career. He will be dearly missed.
His service will be held on Sunday, August 25 at 1:00 PM at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home on Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater, FL. There will be a luncheon served after the service.
Rest Now Sir Thank You for your service to our country and NC as well as Johnston County Job Well Done
American Legion District 11 Chaplain.