Hillard J. Grannemann

Hillard Julius Grannemann, age 91, of Kennesaw, Georgia, passed away on February 13, 2019. Hillard was born on March 24, 1927, to Arthur and Selma Grannemann, in Cole Camp, Missouri. He was baptized into Christ in March, 1927, and confirmed in his Christian faith on April 6, 1941.

At the age of 18, Hillard was drafted into the service and joined the US Navy. He served honorably until his discharge on August 13, 1946.

While attending Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, Hillard met and fell in love with Betty Rose Reed. Throughout their courtship their discussions were mainly about God's Word and the doctrines of the Lutheran Church. These discussions were instrumental in the development of their lifelong bond of faith and love. They were married on January 29, 1950, by Pastor Koerber at Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield.

In Sarcoxi, Missouri, Hillard taught high school math and music for two years. He went to work for General Motors in 1952, where he was an associate engineer. When Lockheed Georgia opened in 1955, he moved his young family to Marietta. His career as a design engineer at Lockheed was distinguished by his contributions to the wing sections of the C-5, C130, and the L1011 projects. He retired in 1986 with 31 years of service.

Hillard's interests and hobbies included flying small aircraft, woodworking/building, remodeling the house, farming, playing the piano, and traveling. After retirement, he and Betty purchased a motor home and traveled to every state in the continental U.S. (Alaska twice!); Baja, Mexico; and every province in Canada, including Newfoundland, where Betty actually kissed a cod!!! He also spent his later years cheering on his Atlanta Braves.

Hillard was always active in service to his church. He was a charter member of three Lutheran congregations. He used his God-given gifts serving as organist, choir director, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, and holding other offices. Christian education was always his top priority. In all aspects of his life, he lived his Christian faith and was conscientious in setting a good example as husband and father for his wife and five children.

Hillard is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty; his children: Susan Briggs, Judy (Charles) DeJarnett, Carol (Alton) Hulsey, Teresa (Roy) Baker, Sheila (daughter-in-law) Grannemann; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Wilbert Grannemann. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mark; and two brothers, Marvin and John.

Visitation will be at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw from 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, February 17. Funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 18. Interment with military honors will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park, Marietta, Georgia. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the Education Fund at Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church, 4425 Macland Rd., Hiram, Georgia 30141.