As a young boy, Wayne Grandy used to sit around, on edge, enjoying Washington Redskins football and Washington Senators baseball games. After each game, he would craft his own personal recaps of the action as a hobby.
Fast forward to July 2016, and Grandy is retiring as a member of the Colquitt County Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2005) and a legend in the realms of South Georgia journalism.
Born in Maryland, Grandy grew up in northern Virginia and later graduated from George Mason University. Given his extensive and memorable career in the newsroom, his undergraduate major may come as a slight surprise to some.
“History,” Grandy said with a laugh. “Originally, I was planning to be a school teacher. But eventually I realized that I didn’t care too much for standing in front of classes. It made me a little uncomfortable.”
Wayne Grandy has resided in Colquitt County since 1979. He and his wife, Connie, recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on Aug. 23. To their union, they have one son; Richard, a 1990 graduate of Colquitt County High School, now lives in Winter Haven, Florida, with Wayne and Connie’s grandson, 11-year-old Richie.
“My wife was always with me,” Grandy said. “She’s been such a tremendous help. She would come to games and help me record tackles, follow the ball after plays, and things like that. You’ve got to understand this career is not only taxing on the people in it. It’s been hard on my wife, my family, everyone around me. I remember there would be occasions when I would eat dinner on holidays and then head to the office. Connie has meant more to me than anything through this process, and I will always be grateful.”
His career began in freelance work. As a member of The Moultrie Observer, Grandy would take assignments handling writing, photography, and other coverage for various private schools in the area. Since 1982, he has assumed a plethora of roles in the company, ranging from reporting to editing.
“I began as a reporter,” Grandy said. “Soon after, I was promoted to Sports Editor. I’ve been Managing Editor, City Editor, you name it. Since becoming full-time in 1982-83, I actually served as Sports Editor on three different occasions. I’d get shots in other roles, but my passion always brought me back.”
While his career path took him through various ranks of the Observer, each kept him close to his original choice. His love of history landed him in the perfect place: a tight-knit community that takes true pride in its athletic heritage, regardless of venue. In a town that boasts a nationally-known diving facility, multiple professional athletes in various sports, and a football team that has celebrated historic success (including three undefeated seasons and state titles since 1994), a byline including the name of “Wayne Grandy” has become just as legendary as the outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and community members he has uplifted with his precisely-chosen words.
“There is such a rich tradition in this community,” Grandy said. “And the diversity of the sports that I have been able to cover has been great. ‘Moose’ Moss started a diving powerhouse in a pool in his own yard. Coaches like Jim Hughes and Rush Propst have given this town endless memories. That’s another thing that I try to let people in on as well; the teachers, coaches, and parents deserve so much credit for the success of this community. They are the hard workers that push these student-athletes to new heights every year. And it is their motivation that builds champions in Colquitt County.”
Spending such a long time in one area, Grandy has been able to see a world that many others may overlook. He has seen children grow from Little League stars to living their lives as professionals. Many of the young faces he once knew are now pillars of the communities in which they live as adults.
“I remember when I wrote a piece about a young kid named Greg Tillery in the late 70s,” Grandy said. “He was pretty good at what he did. Fast forward to today, and not only does he remember the article, he now serves as the Athletic Director of Colquitt County High School. Over the years, I’ve been able to watch so many young faces grow and flourish. It’s a great feeling.”
As the popular saying goes, “When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” While he has officially retired, Grandy has been “not working” since July. He still takes assignments and makes his mark on the town nearly every day.
Day-in and day-out, Wayne Grandy gave his heart and soul to the Colquitt community. And in retirement, he will be appreciated and respected just as much, if not more than, he was during his trips across sidelines, baselines, and everything in between.
“I simply enjoy sharing,” Grandy said. “I’ve done this for all these years because people expect accuracy. They expect the truth. And I take pride in what I do because people deserve to have access to information. I’ve worked with a lot of fine people throughout my career; I don’t even know if we have room to mention them all. They took me under their wing and led me along. I’ve also been able to work with so many great coaches and players. I’ve been blessed to cover so many different things in this community. It’s been a real privilege, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
ITG Web Content
Journalistic Genius: Celebrating The Career Of Wayne Grandy
Written by James A. Washington
Photo by Lindsi Jones
