Charles Lavon Grandberry

Charles L. Grandberry was born to Junnie and Vashti Grandberry on September 4, 1941, in Oakland, Tennessee. He peacefully left this world on January 5, 2024.  After graduating high school at Booker T Washington, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he rendered four years of honorable service. Immediately after serving his country, he obtained a machinist position at General Electric; however, his desire was to start his own business. He explored several entrepreneur opportunities, during the late 60s through the 70s Charles’s musically inclined wisdom motivated him to produce, perform in and manage one of the best African American bands in New Mexico. He mastered both the drums and the base guitar. The band received outstanding recognition throughout the black communities. Charles constructed the first mobile DJ Deck in the late 70s and ventured out into the DJ arena through the early 80s.  He made history as the greatest Disco DJ in Albuquerque.  In the latter 80s Charles decided to open an Auto Mechanic Shop in the South Broadway community, he had a desire to serve his community through providing quality auto repairs to local community members at a discounted rate in the financially stressed neighborhood.  In 2002, Charles engineered, designed and assembled a unique one-of-a-kind barbeque grill, he hitched it to a mobile home and started “The Chicago Dog” Food Truck. Later he invested in his sons by teaching them the trades of the food trucking industry. In 2019 he included his sons in the business and changed the name to 3 G’s Barbeque Catering. Charles’s passion and hard work established 3 G’s as the best barbeque vendor in New Mexico

Growing up Charles developed a strong foundation rooted in compassion and integrity. These values became intrinsic to his character as he navigated through life.  Along his journey he met his wife of 50 years, Joycie Grandberry.  Through this loving union two sons were born Kedrick and Darrick.  Charles was a pillar of strength for his family.

He leaves behind to cherish his legacy, loving wife Joycie Grandberry; children, Jacqueline Smith, Debra Dugan, Kedrick (Melanie) Grandberry, Darrick Grandberry, and Shelia Grandberry; grandchildren, Darius Grandberry,  Meshiline Dotson, Kedrick Grandberry Jr., Kianah Grandberry, Kaliyah Grandberry,  Charles Grandberry, Darian Grandberry, Denaya Grandberry, Andrew Grandberry, Destin Grandberry and his great grandchildren.  His siblings, Junnie Grandberry, Vernell Ivy Jr, Vernon Ivy, Gloria Chestnut, Vanessa Ivy, Vicki (Hollie) Montgomery, Chris (Tara) Grandberry, Jessie Greathouse, Anna Greathouse, Donnie Greathouse, Terry (Virginia) Greathouse, Regina Greathouse, two sisters-in-law’s; and a host of uncles , aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends,

As he meets his Father (God) in Heaven he is reunited with (Dad) Junnie Grandberry, (Mother) Vashti Grandberry, his (sisters), Debra Grandberry, Vashti Ivy Ross, and Barbara Jackson and his Granddaughter Jacklyn D. Miller.

Throughout his life journey, Charles touched the lives of many with his warm heart and unwavering spirit. His genuine smile brightened the lives of all who knew him both personally and

professionally. His compassionate nature knew no bounds. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication that will forever carry forward in the hearts of those he touched.

 In honoring the memory of Charles L. Grandberry, let us remember to celebrate his life rather than mourn his departure. Though he may no longer reside physically among us, his spirit will continue to live on through the cherished memories we shared with him.