John Grantland

GRANTLAND, John “Steve”, age 64, passed away Sunday November 5, 2017, at South Baldwin Medical Center, Foley Alabama. He fought a very long battle with heart disease that began in 1987 after cancer radiation. He was born August 19, 1953 in Mobile Alabama. He also lived in Maine and Canada before enlisting in the US Air force as an avionics instrument technician in 1972. His first duty station was Loring AFB, Maine where he met his wife Becky Duckworth. They were transferred to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska in 1974. In 1977, shortly after the birth of their first son, they were transferred to Travis AFB in California. After his discharge the following year, they headed back to Alaska to raise their family. They remained there until 2011 when they retired to the Gulf Coast of Alabama. After the Air Force, Steve worked as an electronic technician working on radios, computers and telephone systems for USDA Chugach National Forest, DOD Army Corp of Engineers, and USDI Bureau of Land Management; all located in Anchorage Alaska. He retired with over 35 years of service. His years in Alaska were filled with spending time with his family fishing, hiking, berry picking, camping and hunting. During the winters he was busy volunteering as a coach and board member for Mat-Su Hockey Assn. He also was very active in the Palmer High Hockey Boosters. He loved politics and history, and talking to others who were also interested, no matter which direction they leaned. Steve loved the Lord and appreciated the sacrifice made for him through Jesus Christ our savior. He was a beloved prayer warrior and intercessor right to the end, and kept family and friends covered and loved. Steve is survived by his wife of 43 years Rebecca (Duckworth) Grantland, sons Joshua Grantland (Theresa Hawk) and children Blayze, Jayde, Deklan & Jasnah of Alaska; Jesse Grantland (Tara Bynum) and children Alannagh & Maghnus of Alaska, Mother Joanne Dann McNeil (David Lee) of Alabama; step mother Vicki Grantland of Florida; Brothers Charles R Grantland Jr of Alabama; Phillip Scott Grantland of Florida; Sisters Deborah Benton (Michael) of Alabama, Danna Freeman (Charles Terry) of Alabama, Anne Weinshel (Matthew) of North Carolina, and Karen Jeffords (Tom) of Louisanna; Sister-in-law Dee Duckworth Dykstra (Steve) of Michigan; many nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. Also extended family; father Jack D. Sands of Mobile, brother Robert Sands (Melinda) of Georgia, Sisters Jackie Sands Brill (Charlie) of Tennessee, Jacque Sands of Georgia, and Deanna Sands Anlage (Derek) of Alabama. Steve was preceded in death by his father Charles Roger Grantland Sr. A traditional funeral and viewing wasn’t Steve’s thing…. His ashes will be scattered in the two states he loved so much, and has a memorial at The Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort, PO Box 8086, Spanish Fort AL 36577. Memorial donations can be made to the cemetery, they are strictly volunteer workers and is run as a 501(c)(3) non profit cemetery. Arrangements are by Cason Funeral Service Foley Al

John Grantland

August 19, 1953 - November 5, 2017

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John Grantland

August 19, 1953 - November 5, 2017

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification