Byron William Grant
June 14, 1936-December 16, 2016
Macon, GA

Byron William Grant, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 16, 2016. A Celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Snow's Memorial Chapel, Pio Nono with Dr. C. David Keith officiating. Burial will be held at 3:00 p.m. in Park Hill Cemetery, Columbus GA with Raymond Campbell officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to the Byron Grant endowed Musical Theatre Scholarship, Webster University, St. Louis, MO or to the Townsend School of Music Scholarship Fund, Mercer University, Macon GA.
Byron was born in Columbus, GA to the late Ruby Florene Hindsman Grant and Neil William Grant on June 14, 1936 and was preceded in death by his sister, Lillian Grant Brown (George).
Byron graduated with honors from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama. He received a BA in French and Music with Honors from Huntington College, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Sigma Sigma honorary societies. He graduated with a Masters in Music (MM) from Southern Illinois University. In 1961 he received a diploma in piano and musicology from the Conservatoire de Musique at Fountainbleu, France and in 1960 received his diploma from the American Musical and Theatre Academy, New York, New York.
Byron began his teaching career at Baker High School in Columbus, GA teaching music and French along with directing performances by his students for seven years. In 1967, Byron moved to New York City taught seven years at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. In 1982 Byron became artist-in-residence and head of the musical theatre performance program at Webster University in St. Louis, MO. The association continued for 25 years with Bryon becoming assistant professor and eventually chairperson of the music and dance department and head of the musical theatre program. While at Webster, Byron received the William T. Kemper excellence in teaching award, The Missouri Governor's Award for excellence in teaching, and as a professor emeritus in 2001, he was inducted into the National Educational Theatre Association's Hall of Fame.
After officially retiring from teaching and directing, he moved to Macon, GA to be near his family. Finding his love for students and music still strong in him, he directed community theatre. Last semester Byron was hosted by the Townsend School of Music at Mercer University in a series of master classes in musical theatre, culminating on November 15, 2016 with a cabaret with Dr. Martha Malone, chairperson of vocal studies.
Byron also had a performance career as actor, director, and music director. He performed and directed across the country in regional theatre and in off-Broadway. He performed in the 25th anniversary show of the Fantastiks at the Sullivan Theatre in New York and was director and musical director for five seasons at the Barter Theatre, the state theatre of Virginia.
Although proud of his performance career, Bryon was most proud of his years spent guiding students and performers on their road to a successful life in theatre. 
He will be missed by his family that enjoyed his company on all our family outings. "Uncle Byron" was famous for his stories, his humor, his love for travel and fine food and his love of his family; nephew, Larry N. Pope (Wanda), great nieces, Jennifer Elise Shedd (Thomas), Monica Leigh Evans (Todd), Virginia Ellen Reeves (Rob), great nephews, Dr. Harry F. Moore (McKenzie), Bradley Robert Thigpen (Melanie); 12 great great nieces and nephews, and one great great great nieces.
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.
Snow's Memorial Chapel, Pio Nono has charge of the arrangements.