Vaughn Granger

William Vaughn Granger, 72, of Blythewood, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, on October 8, 1953, he was the son of the late Benny Jasper Granger and Harriett Reeder Granger.

To most people he was simply "Big V."

For more than fifty years, Vaughn was a respected leader in the men's clothing industry. He dedicated his life to building Granger Owings and later RNG Clothing, traveling the world in search of the finest fabrics, developing relationships that spanned decades, and earning a reputation for integrity, craftsmanship, and doing business with a handshake. His customers became friends, his vendors became family, and his employees became people he genuinely cared for and invested in.

Yet, as much as he loved his work, nothing ever came before his family.

Vaughn was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, mentor, and friend. He and his beloved wife, Deborah Wright Granger, shared forty-six years of marriage, building a life centered around faith, family, hard work, and generosity. Together they created a home that welcomed everyone, where relationships mattered more than possessions and people always came first.

His love for others extended far beyond his own family. Whether coaching Little League baseball in Blythewood, Pee Wee football on Polo Road, or middle school football at Blythewood Middle School, Vaughn found tremendous joy in pouring into young people. He served on the Richland County Recreation Commission and was instrumental in helping bring athletic field lighting to Blythewood. Throughout his life, he passionately supported numerous charitable and community initiatives, including fundraising efforts for Children's Hospital and Madelyn's Fund, and most recently helping support the establishment of the Columbia Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit.

Outside of work and community service, Vaughn found peace on his farm in Blythewood. He loved horses—from barrel racing and breeding to watching them run—and took enormous pride in caring for his property. Whether he was on a tractor grooming pastures or walking the farm, he believed the land should be cared for with the same attention and pride he gave everything else.

He was also unapologetically himself.

Friends and family knew there was very little chance Vaughn would follow someone else's process when he believed his own was better. Doing things "his way" became part of his legend. He was equally well known for wearing crisp white pants, loafers without socks, and somehow managing to bush-hog a field dressed like he was headed to a country club. It was simply Big V.

Those who knew him best understood that beneath his direct personality was an extraordinarily generous heart. He never hesitated to help someone in need, encourage a young entrepreneur, offer honest advice, or quietly support a family facing difficult circumstances. If Big V was in your corner, you knew you had someone who would stand beside you no matter what.

Among his greatest joys were his seven grandchildren—Callie, Chloe, Liam, Levi, Jude, Gabe, and Eliza. His grandsons affectionately gave him the nickname "The Biggest," a title that never failed to make him smile and one he proudly carried until his final days.

Vaughn is survived by his wife, Deborah Wright Granger; his sons, William Vaughn "LV" Granger, Jr. (Erin) and David Ross Granger (Kelsey); his cherished grandchildren, Callie, Chloe, Liam, Levi, Jude, Gabe, and Eliza; and his brother, David Granger. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim Granger and Bobby Granger.

The funeral service for Vaughn will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, in the Family Life Center of First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dr. Neil Stewart and Rev. Josh Squires officiating. A private burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Wendell Estep officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Jackson Hall prior to the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Serving as pallbearers will be William King, Jimmy Rogers, Bud Mann, Bob Davidson, Travis Hollis, David Ashworth, Jimmy Derrick, and Chris Knott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Madelyn's Fund by mail at 7804 Fairview Road PMB #259, Charlotte, NC 28226 or by clicking here