But before his fame and joy of the Grand Ole Opry, Grant was a young boy from Texas, growing up in the city of Abilene, but traveling by train to stay with his grandparents in Baird, TX. It was here he enjoyed being with his cousins and enjoying the time he spent listening to his grandfther's crystal radio set. He fell in love with the Grand Ole Opry and other music shows. He learned to play the ukelele and could play the piano by ear.
His father was John Wesley Turner, JR, being the son of a physician, who had moved west around 1878, from Wilson Co. TN, by the same name also. His mother, Mamie Allison Hart was the only daughter of Fred and Mary Lucinda Hart of Baird TX. Mamie had 3 children, but only 2 lived to see their older years.
Grant first came to Knoxville TN, after working as a journalist in TX, which was his major in college. Not long he was invited to interview for a job at WSM, the Athens of the South, with clear channel and good reception to most of America and even other countries.
Grant was hired to work the Opry on D-Day, 1944. When he passed away, he had just finished working the Friday night Opry, on October 18th. Just 8 hrs. later, his spirit was taken to meet his maker, to whom he belonged.
We loved him a short time, and he loved us all dearly. Friends have called him: dear man, kind, polite, peaceful,
and so friendly. I called him Papa and still miss him so much. I love you Papa.......NB
But before his fame and joy of the Grand Ole Opry, Grant was a young boy from Texas, growing up in the city of Abilene, but traveling by train to stay with his grandparents in Baird, TX. It was here he enjoyed being with his cousins and enjoying the time he spent listening to his grandfther's crystal radio set. He fell in love with the Grand Ole Opry and other music shows. He learned to play the ukelele and could play the piano by ear.
His father was John Wesley Turner, JR, being the son of a physician, who had moved west around 1878, from Wilson Co. TN, by the same name also. His mother, Mamie Allison Hart was the only daughter of Fred and Mary Lucinda Hart of Baird TX. Mamie had 3 children, but only 2 lived to see their older years.
Grant first came to Knoxville TN, after working as a journalist in TX, which was his major in college. Not long he was invited to interview for a job at WSM, the Athens of the South, with clear channel and good reception to most of America and even other countries.
Grant was hired to work the Opry on D-Day, 1944. When he passed away, he had just finished working the Friday night Opry, on October 18th. Just 8 hrs. later, his spirit was taken to meet his maker, to whom he belonged.
We loved him a short time, and he loved us all dearly. Friends have called him: dear man, kind, polite, peaceful,
and so friendly. I called him Papa and still miss him so much. I love you Papa.......NB
Bio by: Nan
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement