Charles Erdman Grantham, Jr., born in Fairmont, NC, on September 26, 1921, was taken up to heaven on June 6, 2017.  Charles was a dedicated patriot, husband, father, and follower of Jesus Christ.  On September 20, 1940, at the age of 19, he joined the US Navy and served with distinction on the destroyer, USS Reid. He was present at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked and participated in more than 30 Pacific theater battles, including Wake Island, Guadalcanal, and the Battle of the Leyte Gulf where the USS Reid was attacked by 12 Japanese planes and hit by three kamikazes, sinking in two minutes on December 11, 1944. For his bravery and dedication to duty during this fatal attack, he received a commendation from the Reid's commander.

After the war, he returned to his beloved North Carolina. On April 25, 1955, he married Rose Bullock Dodson. They settled in Lumberton with their two childrenb Doc and Rie, where he not only pursued a career with Belk, but also working for Weinstein's and K.M. Biggs. Charles had a sharp eye for clothing, was a sharp dresser, and loved to help others look great in just the right outfit. While he was a dedicated, passionate salesman, he still found time to enjoy a weekly round of golf with his friends. He didn't like to brag but all should know that he recorded two hole-in-ones. He retired in 1999 and spent the remaining years doting on his family and meeting with the ROMEO Club every morning at Burger King. Until his health began to fail, Charles was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lumberton where he sang in the choir and served, initially, as a Deacon and, later, as an Elder.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erdman, Bessie and Mamie Grantham; his wife, Rose Grantham; two sisters: Alice Wayne and Zelma Spears; and two brothers: John Grantham and Lloyd Grantham.

He is survived by a son, Doc Grantham and wife Ande of Fairfax, VA; a daughter, Rie Antone and husband Bob of Lumberton; two sisters: Sarah Bridger of Bladenboro and Jane Bell of Greenville; four grandchildren: Jocelyn Whittington (Whit), Jana Frazier (Matt), Megan Kolcun, Beth Herndon (Jeromy); four great-grandchildren, Brennan, Michael, Carter, and Jaxson; and his caregiver and special friend, Betty Lovette of Lumberton.  He is also survived by Gaines and Mary Bruce Grantham of Fairmont, and special friends Billy and Rhonda Wilkins of Lumberton.

The funeral will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM with Rev. Eva Ruth officiating.  Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 8, 2017 from 6:00-7:30 PM at the home of Bob and Rie Antone, 506 Brookgreen Drive, Lumberton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southeastern Hospice House, 1100 Pine Run Drive, Lumberton, NC 28358 or the charity of one's choice.