Life Reflections
1 Lt. Rakeem Q. Grant was born in Varnville, SC on August 31, 1989. He was the son of Latresa Grant Doctor and Clarence Ward, Jr.
Rakeem’s (Rocky) mother took him to Sunday school and church services at Huspah Baptist Church, Hampton, SC. Rocky valued a relationship with God and served as a member of the Male Chorus and Men’s Auxiliary.
Rocky grew up in Varnville and attended Varnville Elementary and North District Middle Schools. In 2007, he graduated from Wade Hampton High School, Varnville, SC. Even as a child, Rocky wanted to be a part of the military. Therefore, while attending Wade Hampton, Rocky joined the Navy Junior ROTC program. He participated in ROTC throughout his high school years. At graduation, Rock was awarded the Certificate of Naval Education and Training.
Realizing the need for education, Rocky enrolled at South Carolina State University. There he participated in Army ROTC and was initiated into the National Society of Pershing Rifles, a national military fraternity for college students. Upon graduation in May 2011, Rocky was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant (Lt.) in the U. S. Army, Quartermaster Corps.
As part of his military service, Rocky attended and graduated from the U. S. Army Logistic University at Fort Lee, Virginia. His studies, perseverance, and commitment earned Rocky a promotion to 1st Lieutenant on May 16, 2013. Lt. Grant was proud to wear the uniform and proud to serve his country.
While at SC State Rocky was initiated into the ETA ALPHA Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma National Fraternity. Bro. “Deuce” was a high-steppin Sigma man. He was the Director of the Sigma’s Bigger Better Business initiative. Lt. Grant made his home in Orangeburg, SC, where he attended Cornerstone Community Church and worked as manager of a Burger King Corporation restaurant.
While he may be gone too soon, we will remember his generous spirit. Rocky was considerate, thoughtful, kind, and helpful. He never met a stranger, and was a true friend to his friends. Rocky was a mentor. He always encouraged and advised young people to take advantage of every opportunity in their pursuit of positive goals.
His love for his younger brothers was evident by his care and protection of them and his guidance for them. He set the example for them to follow, becoming their role model and hero.
Above all, Rocky LOVED his mother. He was respectful, and grateful for her guidance and encouragement. He truly cherished the bond they shared.
On Sunday, June 16, 2013, Lt. Grant completed his earthly tour of duty and answered the call to serve in the Army of the Lord.
His memories will always be cherished by his mother, Latresa Doctor; His father, Clarence Ward, Jr.; His step-father, Don Doctor; His brothers: Rockell Ward, Ja’Quanis Grant, and Tyshon Grant, Laricuss Nelson-Ward and Jatavious Ward; Sisters: Tanisha Ward, Cayla Ward, and Danielle Rivers; His grandmothers: Joanne Grant and Betty Ward; A special brother, Terrance Orr; His god-mother, Judy Johnson; Nine aunts: Rhontesia (Demitra) Turner, Olivia (Reginald) Bradley, Yolanda (Sgt. Philmore) Reason, Rosalyn Grant, April Wright, Brooke Ward, Danielle Robinson, Cassandra Ridgeway, and Nicole Ward-Smalls; Two Uncles: Ronnie Grant and Travis Ward; Special cousins: Travon, Stephon, Essence, China, Justice, DJ, Jala, Marjae, Niya, Serenity, Raven, Patrick, Antonio, Shari, and Darryl; Special friends: Matthew, Alcee, Candace, Charles, Derrick, Eric, Jaiye, Kenshonti, Prince, Samuel III, Sarah, and Shay; And a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
