Reverend Harry A Grantz

Harry Allen Grantz, 91, retired Baptist Minister and former Cisco Municipal Judge, left this earthly journey to join his Heavenly Father on June 23rd in Greenville, Texas.

Harry was born in Wichita Falls, Tx, March 15, 1927 to Harry Otto Grantz and Eula Mae Estes Grantz. He graduated from Cisco High School in 1944 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in World War II. Harry was honorably discharged and began his college education at Cisco Junior College, graduating in 1949 from Hardin-Simmons University with a Bachelor of Divinity degree and later Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth with a Master of Divinity. A highlight of his college experience was singing in the Hardin-Simmons Quartet.

Harry married Margie Reynolds from Cisco, Texas on June 14, 1947, in Brownwood, Texas. They were partners for nearly 61 years, until Margie’s death on June 1, 2008. Together they raised two children, Susie and Bill.

Harry was ordained on June 5, 1949 at First Baptist Church, Cisco and thus began over 50 years of ministerial service. His pastoral career included churches in Pleasant Hill, Carbon, Putnam, Mertzon, Santa Rosa, Corpus Christi, Carrizo Springs, Winters, Breckenridge, Roby, and Amarillo. He also held various leadership roles within the Baptist General Convention of Texas and was on the Board of Trustees of three Baptist Institutions, including High Plains Baptist Health Systems in Amarillo.

Harry and Margie returned to Cisco in their retirement where he immediately became involved in the community as Municipal Judge, trustee of the Cisco Hospital District, part-time pastor of Eolian Baptist Church and New Hope Baptist Church, and director of senior adult activities and various committees at First Baptist Cisco.

An avid reader and student of history, the only subject that rivaled his knowledge and love of the Lord was his love of Texas, or “God’s Country” as he called it. Harry dedicated his life to serving others and was always ready with a smile, word of encouragement, or witticism. In his later years, he would don funny socks, hats, and various amusements to cheer those in his assisted living community and was beloved by all.

Few things filled Harry’s life with as much joy as that of his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy McDowell, wife, Margie, and grandchild, Marianne Rhodes. Continuing his legacy are Susan (Randall) Cox of Greenville, Tx, Bill (Jamie) Grantz of Bay City, Tx; grandchildren, Allison Rhodes, Jonathan (Sonya) Rhodes, Amanda Grantz, Bill (Cassie) Grantz Jr., Matthew (Bobbie Jo) Grantz; and great-grandchildren, Harrison Rhodes, Isiah & Xachary Grantz, and Landry Grantz.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Harry’s life on Wednesday, June 27th at First Baptist Church, Cisco. Visitation will be from 1-2:15pm followed by the service at 2:30pm, officiated by Dr. Lanny Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse or the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

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