Norman G “Buck” Grantham

Norman “Buck” Grantham, a native of Holden, Louisiana and longtime resident of Denham Springs, Louisiana entered into his heavenly home on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the age of 95.

Survived by his devoted and loving wife of nearly 74 years, Betty “Mitzi” Grantham, son Glynn Grantham (Cissy), daughters Ann Forbes and Diane Carson. He was “Paw-Paw” to seven grandchildren, Misty Irvin (Timothy), Crissy Townsend (Jonathan), Lindsay Sistrunk (Kenny), Jodi Crouch, Kyle Grantham (Merissa), Courtney Murphy (Thomas), Angela Carson and also 5 great grandchildren, Patrick Hanlon, Makayla Crouch, Bella Crouch, Gavin Grantham, and Riley Ray Grantham.

Proceeded in death by parents Oliver and Audrey Grantham and Grandmother Lina Courtney

Norman “Buck” Grantham was born on October 15, 1928 in Holden, Louisiana to Oliver and Audrey Grantham.  After high school, Norman enlisted in the US Air Force, serving 3 years, 2 of which stationed in Japan serving as a Radar Operator/Mechanic in the 853^rd Navigation Unit. During his tour of duty, he received the Army of Occupation Medal-Japan and the World War II Victory Medal.

Although Buck had a variety of careers working at Louisiana Creamery, Sales Manager at Royal Furniture and retiring from Olinde’s Furniture after 25 years, he is mostly known for his great love of music and becoming a nationally recognized steel guitar player, even designing and building his own pedal steel.  His passion for the steel guitar was exemplified through his tremendous talent.  Early in his music career, he was a member of the Lefty Frizzell band and the first house band of the Old South Jamboree, performing alongside of his son, Glynn Grantham on drums, Will Ashford on bass, J.B. Doucet, rhythm guitar and vocals, playing stints at the Ponchatoula Hayride opening for country stars such as Willie Nelson, The Glaser Brothers, Ray Pillow, Jim & Jesse, Jay Lee Webb, Ray Price, Jim Reeves, and Merle Haggard. He spent the later years traveling to Nashville, St. Louis, Dallas, Branson, Tulsa, Siloam Springs, Arkansas and Connecticut after receiving invitations to play at the June Jams and Steel Guitar Conventions. In 1997 he was inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame while performing with The Rhythm Kings.  In 2007, Buck was honored with a “Buck Grantham, Man of the Steel Appreciation Day” on his return to the Old South Jamboree. He was also known for sharing his music knowledge by mentoring young musicians desiring to learn to play the pedal steel guitar.  Even in his early 90’s, he continued to perform with best friend James Weatherford for Senior Days at Carroll Baptist Church and other local venues.

Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church, Denham Springs Sunday, April 14 from 12 until the service at 2 PM officiated by Rev. Larry Badon and Rev. Michael Didon. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Mausoleum, 1710 S Range Ave, Denham Springs, LA

Pallbearers: Randy Blackwell, Kyle Grantham, Edmond Harris, Glen Kreko, John Weatherford, Danny Harrell

Honorary Pallbearers: Timothy Irvin, Kenny Sistrunk, Jonathan Townsend, Thomas Murphy, Leslie Lavigne, Blake Weatherford and Bobby Olah

The family would like to extend special thanks to his caregivers: Juanita Butler, Linda Taylor, Belinda McCahill, Bridget Griffin, D.J. Lewis, and his very special nurse Lauren Simpson.