Hershel Wayne Granger

Hershel Wayne Granger, 76, passed away after a lengthy illness at his home in Gladewater on May 14, 2022 with his loving family by his side. He spent 54 years married to the love of his life, Connie Louise Kelley-Granger.
Born in Gladewater, Texas, he was the son of James Forrest “Buddy” Granger and Lora Fay Key. He lived in Hobbs, New Mexico during a short stint in his younger years but later moved back home to Gladewater to live out his life there. He was employed by Smurfit-Stone as a box maker for over 40 years where he enjoyed the title of lead man and operator on virtually every machine the company had available during his time there, and retired from their Owentown facility as a forklift operator.
His true passion, aside from his family, was his music. He loved to play guitar, drums and sing. He was a member of several bands throughout his life concluding with Cheyenne Band, alongside his best friend, Mike Catron, Becky Birdwell, Lyle Kniffen, Ralph Woods and Tommy Dears. The group played around many memorable venues across East Texas throughout the years, including Gladewater Rodeo Street Dances, and the Yamboree Barn Dance in Gilmer, Texas.
Wayne, as he was known by all, was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in 1998 and loved going to church there and fellowshipping with others. He was a member of New Generation Church in Gladewater, where he served on the praise and worship team for several years.
Wayne was a true family man. His wife, Connie, daughter, Angie and her three daughters, Lindsay, Loryn and Leah meant the world to him. He took great joy in making sure everyone was fed and well taken care of. The family enjoyed dinners at his house on a regular basis and Wayne would take it upon himself to be sure that everyone had gone back for seconds or at very least did not leave his house hungry. His greatest fear was that someone would go away from his house not having enjoyed their fill of Connie’s wonderful cooking.
His friends were his life and his absolute favorite pastime was visiting with them. He would spend much of his free time calling his friends, talking on the telephone to them and driving to their houses for a face to face visit. He cared deeply for others and always took it upon himself to see that everyone had what they needed, even if it meant sacrificing something of his own for his family or friends.
He is survived by his wife Connie Louise Granger, his daughter Angela Dawn Lane, three grandchildren, Lindsay Dawn Lane, Loryn Elizabeth Lane, and Leah Anne Lane, all of Gladewater. Two sisters, Margaret Anette Kelly of Big Sandy, Anita Darlene Hooper of Shafter, CA, a brother, James Forrest “Jr.” Granger of Bakersfield, CA, and a cat named Henry who adored him.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Ershal Bane Granger, his father, James Forrest “Buddy” Granger, and his mother, Lora Fay Key.
Graveside services will be held on June 4th, 2022, 10 a.m. at Rosedale Cemetery in Gladewater, Texas with interment to follow.