Cecil Lanier Gramling Sr.

Cecil Lanier Gramling, Sr., age 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after a long battle with several health conditions. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and nephew.

Cecil was born in Canton, GA on May 6, 1936; however, for years he celebrated his birthday on May 7th since that is the date his momma said he was born. It was not until he received a copy of his official birth certificate that he realized legally his birthday was on May 6th. He was so special he got two birthdays!!!

His first house in Canton was located where Allatoona lake is today…the property was flooded to build the lake. His family eventually resided on Brown Street in Canton, GA. While growing up in Canton he went to Bible School and attended a Methodist Church with his friend, Bobby Hughes. He was a graduate of Canton High School in 1955. Cecil’s first job was delivering new papers for the bus station in Canton. He also worked at the following: Riverside, Riverview Café, and delivered papers for the theater in Canton.

After marrying the love of his life on June 2, 1956, he moved to Marietta, GA for 51 years. They had one son, Cecil “Lanier” Gramling, Jr. on May 15, 1959.

Cecil worked at several places during this time: Bankers Insurance Co., Colonial Grocery Store, Mozley Super Market, Big Apple, and Food Giant. He retired in 1989 after 40 years at Food Giant where he helped close down the very last Food Giant store.

Cecil and Iola were very involved while raising Lanier. Cecil was active in Boy Scouts of America and served as Scout Master, Neighborhood Commissioner, and Assistant District Commissioner. He also served at Banberry Elementary as PTA Co President and at Sprayberry High School as Band Booster Co Vice-President.

While in Marietta he was an active member of Cloverdale Baptist Church (later known as Holt Road Baptist Church) and taught Sunday School.

In 2007 they moved to Cumming, GA where he resided for 18 years. While in Cumming, he was a member at Friendship Baptist Church, a member of the Bible Seekers Sunday School class, and led tours at Cagle’s Dairy for school groups, and managed the family cattle farm.

Cecil is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mattie “Iola“ Sosebee Gramling; Son Cecil “Lanier” Gramling, Jr. (Charlotte Gramling); Granddaughter Jessica Gramling Weaver (Bill Weaver); Great Granddaughter Nellie Anne Weaver and Great Grandson Gabriel Chase Weaver; Grandson Derek Monroe Gramling (Anna Hatzispiros); Great Grandson Theodoros Creek Monroe Gramling; Brother Leon Gramling; Sister in Laws: Brenda Gramling, Bonnie Gramling, Ozell Watkins; And many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cecil was preceded in death by many family members: Father: James Monroe Gramling Sr. DOB 8/6/1901 DOD 8/3/1982; Mother: Della Elizabeth Harris Gramling DOB 11/20/1914 DOD 7/6/2005; Brothers: James Monroe Gramling Jr. DOB 4/2/1930 DOD 11/12/1932; Oliver Gramling DOB 12/25/1938 DOD 9/21/1995; William “Frank”lin Gramling DOB 7/26/1933 DOD 2/12/2010; Albert “Wilford” Gramling Sr. DOB 5/8/1942 DOD 12/16/2010; Sister/Brother In Laws: Jean Gramling; Reatha Mae Sosebee McConnell; EW McConnell; Lawton Sosebee; Miriam Sosebee; Arter Watkins.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 3:00 PM, at Friendship Baptist Church, 2250 Friendship Cir, Cumming, GA 30028, with Rev. Ricky Byrd officiating.  The interment will follow at the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, March 22, from the hours of 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and again on Sunday, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM.