Woodrow Granger

Obituary of Woodrow Granger Woodrow Wilson Granger, 97, of Leesburg completed this life on Sunday, Dec. 8 at Leesburg Regional Medical Center after a long illness. Born on May 8, 1916 in Cottonwood, Ala., he spent his childhood and formative years, including the Depression Era, in that state before making a permanent home in central Florida. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in both the European and Pacific Theaters including the Rhineland Campaign late in the war. He was awarded several medals and commendations including the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. He remained in the Army until 1946, when he returned to Florida to resume his work as a heavy equipment operator, including many years with the Manley Construction Company. He was part of the team that constructed the Daytona Speedway and many other important projects and developments in the area. In his retirement years, he was a well-known and beloved resident of the Palm Ridge Mobile Home Village in Leesburg, where he continued his lifetime hobbies of fishing, gardening and following professional baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox. It was gardening that provided him with the greatest recognition in May, 2007 when, at the age of 92, he was certified by Guinness World Records for growing the tallest collard plant ever recorded, 13 feet 6 inches, in his yard in Leesburg. The record still stands and bettered the previous record by more than four feet. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby in 1984. He is survived by his daughters Mary (Rick) Cosgrove, of Leesburg, Connie (Dan Leonard) Cottengim of Ocala, and Rose(Carl)East of Ocklawha, a son, Johnny Luttrel of Alabama, a granddaughter Sheila Minks of Ocala, a grandson, Brian Keith Ahern of California, and several great and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Sheryl Ellis and Blonnie Skipper, and a niece, Lena Wiggins, all of Alabama. He is also mourned by beloved friends and neighbors Jim, Jay, Barbara, Tom and Charlie, as well as Toni, his cat and dear companion. The family will host a visitation at Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 4 until 6 p.m. The funeral will be on Monday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a graveside service with military honors and interment in Lone Oak Cemetery, Leesburg. Visitation The family will host a visitation at Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 4 until 6 p.m. Services The funeral will be on Monday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at Beyers Funeral Home. Interment A graveside service with military honors and interment in Lone Oak Cemetery, Leesburg will follow the service.

Woodrow Granger

May 8, 1916 - December 8, 2013