Grant Aaron Koontz

On July 4, 2026, Grant Aaron Koontz, 84, finally had his greatest desire come true; to see Jesus. He left this world surrounded by his adoring family and entered his eternal home after a long and courageous journey with Parkinson’s disease. After a lifetime spent pointing others toward Christ, his faith finally became sight.

Grant faced Parkinson’s with remarkable grace. Though the disease took most of his physical abilities, it never stole his faith, his wit, or his gratitude. He never complained, never seemed to worry, and provided those around him a daily lesson on the meaning of 'accepting life on life's terms'.

Grant graduated from Reidsville High School in 1960, was ordained into ministry by the Christian Churches in 1962 and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964 from Johnson University. It was there, while singing together in a traveling chorus, that he met the love of his life; a beautiful girl with a soprano voice from Knoxville, TN named, Nancy Lee Rymer.

Together they embarked on a 61-year marriage and ministry partnership. Grant was the pastor; Nancy was the music minister. They served side by side, faithfully sharing Christ’s love through preaching, counseling, music, and deep friendship. Their marriage endured every season of life with unwavering devotion to one another, including the heartbreaking loss of their son, Jeremy and Grant's long battle with Parkinson’s. Their commitment reflected the very words that Grant always shared with engaged couples during pre-marital sessions: “Marriage is a faith-love commitment to an intimate relationship between two imperfect people.” He didn’t simply preach those words—he lived them.

Once married, Grant and Nancy moved to Illinois, where he served as student pastor of Marion Christian Church while attending Lincoln Christian Seminary. Their first daughter, April Dawn was born during those years. The family later served at Villa Grove Christian Church for seven years, where their second daughter, Amy Ruth was born.

During that season, Grant developed a love for motorcycles. Church members often smiled as they watched their pastor arrive wearing a leather jacket with “Preacher Baby” written across the back and a Bible strapped to his motorcycle. It truly reflected the man he was—serious about his ministry but never about himself.

In 1976, Grant accepted the call to Woodbridge Christian Church in Woodbridge, Virginia, where he faithfully served for twenty-three years. Their son, Jeremy Grant was born during that time. Grant's influence extended far beyond the pulpit. He invested deeply in the lives of his congregants and the friendships he developed through the Rotary Club. To many, he became not only their pastor but also their mentor and lifelong friend.

Following his years at Woodbridge, Grant completed a Master of Arts degree from Liberty University, and in 2000, he and Nancy moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. There he served as a chaplain at Warren Correctional Institution before becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, dedicating his later career to caring for individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness.

Grant truly never met a stranger. His warmth and quick wit made everyone feel like an old friend. He became known for his signature expressions: greeting people with “Glad you got to see me,” answering “How are you?” with “About two days a week,” and catching people off-guard by randomly wishing them a “Merry Christmas” or "Rosh Hashanah."

An avid reader, Grant accumulated a personal library of more than 3,000 books, each bearing his distinctive “GAK” seal. He collected walking canes, loved good coffee, classical music, and missionary work in Haiti, knew everything there was to know about cigars, and possessed a beautiful tenor voice. For many, Christmas was not complete without hearing Grant sing his beloved solo, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.”

More than his accomplishments, Grant will be remembered for living into his stated life's purpose: DSTL, which stood for "Do Something That Lasts - make an eternal difference in someone's life". He facilitated countless marriage and funeral ceremonies and sat with people during some of the darkest hours of their lives. He was beloved by his family, former church members, former colleagues, former clients, restaurant owners, grocery store clerks, and caregivers. Numerous people have shared their gratitude for the impact Grant Koontz had on their lives and faith.

Grant was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jeremy; and his parents, Walter Clifton Koontz and Linda Marion Riddle Koontz.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 61 years, Nancy; his two daughters; April (Tammy) and Amy (Adam); three beloved grandchildren; Noah (Lea), Rachel, and Chase; siblings, Jane Campbell (Ken, deceased) and Martha Kay Powell (Stuart), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A message to Grant and 'Papa' from all who knew and loved him: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 11, 2026, at 2 pm at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, 4415 Pleasant Grove Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27613. A light reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Grant and Nancy Koontz Ministry Scholarship Fund at Johnson University. CHECKS should be made payable to JOHNSON UNIVERSITY and mailed to 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998 with a note that it is in memory of Grant Koontz. Contributions can also be made online at www.JohnsonU.edu/donate with a memorial designation.