PULASKI, Tenn. – Longtime Martin Methodist College Director of Communications Grant Vosburgh may have never had an official role within the Martin Methodist College Athletic Department.
But if you attended a RedHawk Men or Women's Basketball game over the last 10 years, you most certainly might have thought otherwise.
Vosburgh, who served as the public address voice of the RedHawks for over a decade, announced an estimated 300 contests during his tenure until he hung up his microphone midway through the 2014-15 season. During Vosburgh's time as Voice of the RedHawks, the programs combined for their most successful periods of success in school history.
Vosburgh passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 18, after a courageous bout with cancer. His loving wife, Robin Foster Vosburgh, was at his bedside.
GRANT VOSBURGH: A LIFE CELEBRATED
A Tryon, North Carolina native, Vosburgh moved to Pulaski in 2001 after spending the previous 11-plus years as the Senior Director of Public Relations at Presbyterian College.
And while Vosburgh made an immediate impact as Martin Methodist's new Director of Communications, his passion for Martin Methodist athletics ultimately led to a seat in the RedHawk public address announce chair.
"Ten-plus years ago our RedHawk men's and women's basketball programs needed new life and energy at our home games," RedHawk Executive Director of Athletics Jeff Bain said. "Grant read my mind during one of our conversations and volunteered his services as our public address announcer. All it took was one game and both Grant and I knew we had something special. He was a natural and his excitement resonated with our players, our coaches and our fans. For this and many other reasons, our RedHawk athletic department will always be indebted to Grant Vosburgh."
"Grant added an element to our games that made them stand out from others," RedHawks Men's Basketball head coach Scott Combs said. "His commitment toward perfecting both pronunciations and phrases to get the crowd into the ballgame is what I will remember most. That amount of commitment will never be duplicated and Grant's spirit will continue to impact our program forever on."
As deep as his love for RedHawk athletics was, however, Vosburgh's passion for sports extended well beyond the contests played inside the Curry Christian Life Center.
A 1977 University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill graduate, Vosburgh was famously known for his affinity for his beloved Tar Heels.
"It was well known that if North Carolina was playing on the same night as Martin Methodist – you did not say a word to Grant about a score in the Tar Heels game," RedHawk Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications Wade Neely said. "Grant would announce a RedHawk doubleheader, race back to his house to watch the North Carolina ballgame and then show up first thing the next day and could remember almost every single play in all three games. His passion for RedHawk athletics was truly remarkable."
And as big of a RedHawk supporter as he was, Vosburgh's compassion and drive to help others, was even bigger.
An active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pulaski, Vosburgh served as an elder and as a member of the choir. He was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Pulaski and is on the illustrious list of past presidents and Paul Harris fellows.
Vosburgh was perhaps most famously known for his dedication and service to the American Cancer Society. An annual stalwart at Giles County's Relay for Life event, Vosburgh dedicated over 20 years to the American Cancer Society and earned the St. George National Award. The honor represents the highest award given to volunteers across the nation who consistently advances the Society's mission and increase community awareness and presence through devoted and steadfast service.
"Grant Vosburgh was a cherished friend and trusted colleague for 30 years," Martin Methodist President Dr. Ted Brown said. "His hopeful attitude and affirming perspective were always an inspiration to me. Of course, Grant's talent and drive were invaluable at Martin Methodist College, and the investment he made in our community was truly extraordinary. He will be terribly missed."
Vosburgh is survived by his wife, Robin; his two children, Justin and Amy; two brothers, Kip and Toby; one nephew; two nieces; and many others who loved him deeply and called him friend. He also leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, friendship, and talent that will forever be remembered and missed.
A memorial service for Vosburgh will be held Sunday, Sept. 27, on the Martin Methodist Campus Green at 5 p.m.
In case of inclement weather, the service will be moved inside The Martin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Relay for Life of Giles County as donations to the "Grant Vosburgh Memorial" online at http://www.relayforlife.org/gilestn or at the Bank of Frankewing, 2324 Old Highway 64, Frankewing, TN 38459, Attention: DeeDee McAfee.
