Dr. Franklin Dean Grant

Dr. Franklin Dean Grant

January 21, 1941 – January 10, 2024

Affectionately nicknamed by his colleagues “The Dean of DeKalb.”

Known to his family as a devoted husband and beloved father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Known throughout the world, and even on the Space Station as N4PNI, his ham radio call sign.

Born January 20th, 1941, in Athens, Tennessee, where he was raised and slept in a bed that his father built and covered with his mother’s homemade quilts. He was a member of Keith Memorial Methodist Church and attended Tennessee Wesleyan College. He played trumpet in school and was Drum Major of his marching band. He told stories of his time in Athens, recounting how one of his first jobs was developing film into photographs like his big brother, who became an avid photographer, and how he spent his free time water skiing like his father, who made skis for a living. His family’s 1930’s home on Johnson Street was later sold to the church and has since been converted to the site of their youth sanctuary.

Dean began his career as a math teacher and moved to the Atlanta, Georgia area.  He obtained a Master’s degree and a Specialist degree at The University of Georgia, was promptly promoted to Assistant Superintendent of DeKalb County School System and moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia. It was written that his “brilliance, dedication, and high integrity brought him international acclaim from the House of Representatives, Harvard University, Oxford University, the American Association of School Personnel Administrators, Who’s Who in American Education, the International Who’s Who of Intellectuals, 16 additional Who’s Who listings, and the DeKalb County School System.” He obtained his PhD in School Administration at Clark Atlanta University where he taught School Law for many years. He was also elected President of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. At the time of his retirement, he was “hailed as a human landmark in the halls of education” and called “a gift to humanity.” He spent his final years in Suwanee, Georgia and was a member of Level Creek United Methodist Church.

His friends and family wish him to rest in peace after his life well lived.

He is survived by his:

Steadfast wife Geraldine Marlowe Grant of Suwanee, Georgia

Son James Ray Grant; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Stypa Grant; and grandchildren Karolyn Grant, Sydney Grant, and Archer Grant of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan

Daughter Catherine Elizabeth Grant of Tampa, Florida

Stepson Specialist – E4 Edward Kleid IV; daughter-in-law Jennifer Wind Kleid; grandchildren Edward Kleid V, Conner Kleid, Sophia Kleid Bennett, and Michael Bennett; and newborn great-grandson Michael Joseph Bennett of Ball Ground, Georgia

Brother James William Grant, sister-in-law Nancy Harrison Grant, nephew Lt. Col. James Stephen Grant, and niece Sarah Grant Parrish of Jacksonville, Florida.

He was preceded by his parents Edith Williams Grant and James Lee Grant, his first wife Martha Belle Alice Hicks Grant, and his best friend Larry Ladner.

Family and friends will be received between 1:00 – 3:00 PM, Sunday January 14,2024, at Ziegler Funeral Home in Athens, Tennessee followed by a service and then he will be buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery next to his parents.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with serving the family of Dr. Franklin Dean Grant.