Walter A Grannen III

Walter Anthony Grannen III entered eternal rest on April 26, 2026, in Chapin, South Carolina at the age of 73, following a tragic car accident involving his favorite T-Bucket Hot Rod. His legacy of love, gentleness, and unwavering devotion to both family and profession will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Born on November 20, 1952, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Walter, affectionately known to many as “Walt,” was the son of Mary and Walter Grannen II. He grew up alongside his brother, Matt, and sisters, Sandy and Janet, forming bonds of loyalty and support that endured throughout his life.

Walt’s lifelong passion for engineering and craftsmanship propelled him into a distinguished career in plastic molding as well as hobbies including woodworking and automotive excellence. In 1973, Walt graduated from Cincinnati State Technical College with an associate’s degree in applied science. Later, he earned a BA in business from Indiana Wesleyan College in 1993. He established himself as a leading expert in plastic engineering with several patents. Known for his keen intellect and love for teaching, Walt taught often, training hundreds of professionals through the fundamentals of plastic design, molding, quality control, and operational excellence through various courses and seminars. He found success with engineering leadership at companies such as E-W Mold & Tool Co Inc and Triangle Tool Corporation where he worked as a Technical Sales Engineer.

Beyond his professional achievements, Walt’s life was shaped by faith and family. A devout Christian, Walt treasured his relationship with God through daily devotional reading. Nothing brought more joy to his life than loving and entertaining children with his gracious spirit and unique sense of humor. Hobbies defined Walt’s pastime as he loved working with his hands and riding in his beloved T-Bucket Hot Rod. Walt’s interests included car shows, classic rock music, travel, Green Bay Packers football, and spending time with those he loved.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Cathy Grannen (Cisco), his children, Brandi Michelle Rudicil (Ryan) and Christopher Mark Rudicil (Michelle), as well as his brother, Matt, and sisters, Sandy and Janet. He is survived by three grandchildren: Morgan, Addison, and Emersyn Rudicil. Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Walter Grannen II.

As we mourn, we remember Walt’s abiding faith and the comfort his favorite scripture offers us all:  "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)