Opie C. Grenn, Jr.

Opie Carl Grenn, Jr., 89, passed away at his Rankin County home Thursday, May 9, after a brief illness. Opie was born on October 27, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Maggie Bell Garth Grenn and Opie C. Grenn, Sr. He grew up in Lincoln County, Mississippi, and graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1954 and afterward attended and played football at Copiah Lincoln Community College. Opie received a football scholarship to Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana Monroe), where he met Gloria Ford, a fellow student from Ferriday, Louisiana. The two were married on January 25, 1959, and were soon blessed with two daughters, Elizabeth and Emily. Opie served in the National Guard, was active in advocacy for the incorporation of the city of Pearl, and served as president of the Pearl Civitan Club from 1970-1971. He made significant contributions to the home building industry and building material sales during his decades long career. The Grenns joined Pearl Presbyterian Church in 1965 and have remained active in the congregation for many years, serving in leadership and service roles. Opie’s greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, loving them and enjoying their athletic and artistic endeavors. 

Preceding him in death were his mother and father, sister Dorothy Grenn Mueller, brother Edward Grenn, and beloved daughter Emily Grenn Gray. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Gloria Ford Grenn, daughter Elizabeth Grenn Franklin (Mark), son-in-law Buddy Gray, grandchildren Alexandra Claire Franklin (Sam O’Hana), John Ford Franklin (Nicole), Joshua Creed Franklin (Olivia), Richard Spencer Gray (Kelsey), and Mary Elizabeth Gray Braggs (Eli). Great-grandchildren Opie loved dearly are Amelia Rivers Franklin, Luke Hartwell Franklin, John Foster Franklin, and Eleanor Antonia O’Hana Franklin. Opie also cherished time spent with his surviving siblings, George Grenn, Margaret Grenn Kern, and Adah Grenn Van. He also leaves behind a host of loving nieces and nephews.  

A funeral service will be held at Pearl Presbyterian Church on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 11:30 am with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will be at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl. 

Opie's memory will forever live in the hearts of those he loved and those who were touched by his encouragement and generosity.