Grantland Paul Wagner

Grantland Paul Wagner passed away on April 8, 2025 in Greenville SC at the age of 93. Born on July 29, 1931, he was known for his devotion to his wife of 72 years. Grant was the son of Edna Brooks Lane Wagner and Charles Paul Wagner, he was the apple of their eyes. He always knew how to have a good time. His laugh was infectious.

Grant was a devoted husband to his beloved late wife, Mae Joyce Wagner, and a loving father to his children, Paula Wagner Gay (Frank), Grantland Paul Wagner, II (Daphne), and Charles Von Wagner (Na). His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he took immense joy in watching it grow to include his adored grandchildren Mae Joyce Kettler (Dan), Paula Frances Price (Greg), Elizabeth Grant Spade (Matthew), Alexis Wagner (fiancé Davis Smith), Ashely Wagner, Grantland Wagner, III, Allie Nguyen (Dang), Charles Wagner, and Clay Wagner. Grant’s heart swelled with pride for his great-grandchildren Harper Price, Augie Kettler, Asher Price, Calvin Kettler, Jackson Spade, Millie Kettler, Poppy Nguyen, Emma Grant Spade, Charlotte Mae Spade, Adler Nguyen, and Arlo Nguyen.

Grant was known for his strong faith and loyalty to family. He gave generously of his time. Grant was a Lay Eucharistic Minister, taking communion to homebound parishioners. In addition, he was a member of the Mobile Meals team for many years. Grant was a proud graduate of Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia. Also, he was a strong supporter of Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. For many years he had season football tickets so his family could enjoy watching his beloved tigers. He was extremely proud of all of his children and grandchildren, particularly the four Clemson graduates among them. At the age of 91 he attended his twin grandchildren’s ring ceremony. After graduating from Clemson, he spent two years in the army as a 1st Lt. in the Armored division.

His interests were rich and varied. Grant loved spending his birthday week with family at the beach every year. He enjoyed playing a competitive game of bocce ball with his children and grandchildren while there. In his later years, he enjoyed holding his great-grandchildren on his lap while looking out at the lake. He loved playing golf. He was still hitting holes in one well into his eighties. He thought a good day was one spent on the golf course wherever he was. He enjoyed playing golf on the sand in Saudi Arabia during the years he lived there. He loved playing bridge until his final days on earth. He was fun and competitive in all of his activities.

Grant was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Mae Joyce Wagner and his brother, Edwin Wagner. His laugh and twinkling blue eyes will be forever cherished by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched.

Grant will be remembered for his love of life. He believed in the goodness of people and his strong faith kept him going until his beloved wife passed away. He could not find the strength to live without her.

Thank you to the many friends who helped him the last couple of weeks, especially Frieda and Stuart Miller and Gracie McGuffin.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Grant Wagner, directed to Duke Children’s (Please make checks payable to Duke University and mail to Duke Health Development, Attention: Culver Scales, 300 W. Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC 27701. Online gifts can be made at https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dch).

The memorial will be on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2 o’clock with a reception following a service at Christ Church Episcopal, 10 North Church Street, Greenville, SC 29601.