THOMAS SAMUELS GRANT, JR.

Thomas Samuels Grant, Jr., a chemical engineer, adventurer, and lifelong learner, passed away February 4, 2026 in Houston, TX. He was 88 years old. Tom lived a remarkable, momentous life marked by curiosity, compassion, and an insatiable desire to explore the world around him.

Tom was born on May 16, 1937 in Louisville, KY to Thomas Samuels Grant, Sr. and Lucy Yager (Commandeur) Grant. As a youth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, traveled by train to California for the 1953 National Jamboree, and learned leadership and adventure skills that continued throughout his life. Decades later, he was proud to participate in his grandsons’ Eagle Award ceremony.

Tom's professional career in chemical engineering, sales, senior management, and part of the executive team took him across the United States and internationally, including significant posts in New York City; Baton Rouge, LA; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Coral Gables/Miami, FL; and Houston, TX. After retiring from Exxon Mobile, he embraced a life-long learner's lifestyle, working diverse jobs including Toyota master mechanic, real estate agent, liquor store night manager, tea and spice buyer, and culinary arts explorer.

An outdoor adventurer by nature, Tom loved camping, canoeing, downhill skiing, sailing, body surfing, scuba diving, and hiking with his friends and family, especially children and grandchildren. Becoming a ski bum in his 60s and learning to scuba dive in his 70s, Tom especially enjoyed hiking and skiing all over the U.S., Canada, and the Alps; and scuba diving in Roatan with his wife Lela.

Tom is survived by his wife Lela Adelaide Grant; his children Thomas Samuels Grant, III ( Debra), Philip Lair Grant (Lori), Lesli Shepherd Smith, and Johnny Alan Shepherd (Andrea), and his grandchildren Brittney Grant, Leandra Grant, Shepherd Smith, Braden Smith, Joshua Grant, Zachary Grant, Cade Shepherd, Cole Shepherd, and Brooklyn Shepherd, and Great Granddaughter, Hazel Meyers.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21st at 10:00 am at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church Sanctuary, 12955 Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77079

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice

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