Sara Carmichael Grandy

Sara Carmichael Grandy passed away at her son’s residence in Clayton, NC on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. Sara was born in Florence, South Carolina on August 22, 1928. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roderick Murchison Carmichael and Sara Black Carmichael; a brother, Roderick Murchison Carmichael, Jr.; and her former husband, Malcolm Buchanon Grandy.

She graduated from Dillon High School in 1945, was a Wake Forest alumnus, and a huge Demon Deacon fan. Sara moved to Raleigh in 1965 and almost immediately joined the Hillsborough Street YMCA, where she spent many happy hours with friends and staff. She was an avid tennis player, and won the state mixed doubles senior championship in 1988. Sara was a legal secretary before retiring, and then working part-time at North Ridge Country Club’s tennis shop for many years. Sara was also an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh. Physical fitness and athletic activity especially at the YMCA were a part of her daily life even up to one week prior to her death.

Sara was raised Dillon, SC where her family history was deeply rooted in the development of Dillon County (formerly known as Marion County ), Dillon and Little Rock, SC. Her paternal grandfather was Capt. W.D. Carmichael of the Confederate Army, and her great uncle was Capt. Andrew Turpin Harllee, from whom Camp 2010 local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (which is still active today) was named. The United Daughters of the Confederacy group bears the name of Ann Fulmore Harllee, her paternal great-grandmother. The South Carolina Order of the Confederate Rose was named for Ann Eliza Harllee, Chapter #14.

Her father, Roderick Murchison Carmichael, Sr. was Mayor of Dillon for eight terms and a veteran of World War I. Mayor Carmichael while owning and managing a retail furniture business was a post commander of the Dillon County Post American Legion, and also very active in the Sixth Division American Legion. He was also very active in many other civic and patriotic organizations, having been a member of the Lions Club; Chamber of Commerce; Woodmen of the World; Executive Committee of the Dillon County Tuberculosis Association; a 32nd Degree Mason; Chairman of the War Bond & Stamps drive during WWII; Chairman of the Dillon County National Defense Committee; and chairman of the Polio Foundation of Dillon County.

He was also active in the local, state, and national Democratic Party, having served as the Dillon County Democratic Party Chairman, and was a National Democratic Party Delegate, representing his district on many occasions.

She leaves behind her son, Dana Lee Grandy and his wife Tara Smith Grandy; granddaughter, Tracy Lee Grandy; and grandson, Blake Carmichael Grandy.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 11:00 am at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s St., in Raleigh, NC.

A visitation will held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 until 11:00 am. The Reverend Bob Inskeep of First Presbyterian Church will conduct the service. A graveside service will follow on Friday at 3:30pm at Riverside Cemetery in Dillon, SC.

The family would like to thank North Ridge Country Club, the Alexander Family YMCA, Janet and Buddy Bethea from Dillon, for their love, support, friendship and care given to Sara.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Alexander Family YMCA, 1603 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27605, or to First Presbyterian Church, 120 West Hargett Street Raleigh, NC 27601.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC. Condolences may be made through www.brownwynne.com.