Donald Eugene Grant

April 23, 1923 - December 22, 2015

Donald Eugene Grant, 92, Florida State University’s first quarterback, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, in Perry.  He was born April 23, 1923, to Charles E. Grant and Ethel Stanford Grant in Savannah, Ga.   Mr. Grant served in the United States Navy during World War II.  He then enrolled in Florida State University where he was the first quarterback for the school’s inaugural football team in 1947, returning an opening kickoff 29 yards and later passing for another 24 yards for the first touchdown ever recorded.  In the Taylor County School system, he had already made a name for himself “as a standout player and talented athlete.†  His versatility in high school sports continued to his college years, with Grant playing basketball and baseball.  His love for and devotion to FSU was well known, and included his affiliations as a Seminole booster and benefactor.  His wife, three sons and daughter all graduated from Florida State; all three sons played on FSU’s golf team.   After graduating from FSU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in zoology, Mr. Grant returned to Perry and opened Perry Auto Supply, the local NAPA store, which his family still owns.  Mr. Grant was a past member of the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club and the Taylor County Development Authority.  He was also a member of the First Baptist Church and the Perry Golf and Country Club.  He served as a volunteer coach for little league and youth football in Perry, and was the stadium announcer for Taylor County High School games for 47 years.   He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Carlyen Grant of Perry; three sons, Donald Grant Jr. of Coral Springs, Michael Grant of Tallahasee and Billy Grant of Perry; one daughter, Cheryl Beck of Tallahassee; a brother, Oneal Grant of Valdosta, Ga.; two sisters, Dorothy Young of Chipley and Virginia Polhill of Clewiston; seven grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.   Funeral services will be held Sunday, Dec. 27, at 3 p.m. in the First Baptist Church with Steve McHargue officiating.  The viewing will be from 2-3 p.m., also at the church.  Burial will follow in Pineview Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, www.northfloridafca.org. or mail to 2221 Old Bainbridge Rd, Tallahassee, Florida 32303.  Arrangements are under the care of Beggs Funeral Home Perry Chapel www.beggsfuneral.com.   Â