George Lewis Granger

George Lewis Granger passed away June 6, 2026, in Johnson City, Tennessee, after a period of declining health. He was preceded in death by his precious wife of 55 years, Betty Kimble Granger; his parents, George W. and Alice King Granger; an infant son, David Lewis Granger; and his brother, John ("Jack") Granger.

Born June 21, 1928, in Flint, Michigan, George grew up on his family's farm near Gaines. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and served as Staff Sargeant on the secret Matador missile project at Cape Canaveral, Florida. There, he met Betty Frances Kimble of Montgomery, West Virginia, and the two were married in 1952.

Following his military service, George received undergraduate and master's degrees from Michigan State University and his PhD from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania. In 1961, he moved his family to Johnson City and began a 33-year career as Professor of Economics and Finance at ETSU. He was a charter member of Southwestern Baptist Church and later an active member of Central Baptist Church, where he served for 30 years as Director of Homebound Visitation. George was a licensed life insurance agent and was active for many years in the Johnson City, Tennessee, and National Associations of Life Underwriters.

After retiring from ETSU in 1994, George and Betty enjoyed traveling. In their final years together, George became Betty's dedicated caregiver. After her death in 2008, George joined the Johnson City and Jonesborough Senior Centers, where weekly card games became his favorite pastime. He also loved going for a drive, working jigsaw puzzles, reading the newspaper, and watching baseball. He was endowed with strong determination, and he valued education and hard work. George had a heart for people in need and he enjoyed his association with many charitable organizations. He remained sharp and independent even in his later years.

George is survived by his children, Kim (Brenda) Granger, Ellen (Jeff) Yates, Don Granger (Jim Clark), Linda (Mark) Eades, and Brian (Tammra) Granger; grandchildren, John Robert (Danielle) Yates, Amy (Justin) Calhoun, Meredith (Devin) Masoner, Jordan (Patrick) Brown, Hannah Granger, Alec Granger, and Jackie Granger; great-grandchildren, Annabelle Yates, Isaac Yates, Hudson Calhoun, Mercy Panganiban, Jonah Masoner, Nolan Masoner, Palmer Brown, Wyatt Brown, Emerson Calhoun, and Cole Masoner; step-grandson, Chad Fraley; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Amie Markland for the compassionate care George received at Christian Assisted Living of Johson City and Dr. Tariq Haddadin, George's cardiologist and favorite physician.

Saturday, June 13, the family will receive friends at Morris-Baker Funeral Home in Johnson City from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Monte Vista Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Haven of Mercy, 123 W. Millard St, Johnson City, TN 37604; or Central Baptist Church missions, 300 North Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601.

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Memories and condolences may be shared via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Granger family. (423) 282-1521