How to Write an Obituary for Your Grandfather (Step-by-Step Guide + Example)
If you're searching for how to write an obituary for your grandfather, you may be unsure how to capture his life, personality, and legacy in just a few paragraphs. This guide will walk you through what to include, how to structure the obituary, and provide a sample you can use for reference.
If you prefer guided support, you can use our obituary-writing tool, which walks you through each section and creates a formatted draft automatically:
Try the obituary builder → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
In this guide, you’ll find:
• what to include in an obituary for a grandfather
• a sample obituary (for educational purposes only)
• helpful notes after the example
• alternate wording options
• a fill-in-the-blank template
• common mistakes to avoid
• frequently asked questions
Whether you’re writing a short obituary, a celebration of life announcement, or a longer tribute, this guide will help you write with clarity and confidence.
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What to Include in an Obituary for Your Grandfather
Use these steps as a helpful starting point.
1. Basic details
Most obituaries begin with:
• full name
• age
• city and state
• date of passing
• gentle wording about how he passed (optional)
Examples:
• “passed away peacefully”
• “surrounded by family”
• “after a long illness”
2. Birth and early life
Optional elements:
• birth date and birthplace
• parents’ names
• siblings
• childhood highlights
3. Marriage and family
Include what fits your family:
• spouse or partner
• number and names of children
• grandchildren and great-grandchildren
• meaningful family traditions
4. Career, service, and contribution
Possible elements:
• military service
• lifelong career or trade
• business ownership
• community involvement
• volunteer service
5. Personality and interests
This brings the obituary to life.
Examples:
• woodworking
• fishing
• gardening
• storytelling
• sports enthusiasm
• faith and family focus
6. Surviving family members
Typically listed in this order:
• spouse or partner
• children and spouses
• grandchildren
• great-grandchildren
• siblings
• predeceased relatives (optional)
7. Service or memorial details
Include only what’s necessary:
• date, time, location
• celebration of life
• livestream information
• “private service” if applicable
Privacy reminder: Do not include home addresses.
8. Memorial preferences (optional)
Examples:
• veteran organizations
• hospice
• church
• “in lieu of flowers…”
Most obituaries are 200–500 words, though online tributes can be longer.
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Example Obituary for a Grandfather
(For educational and example purposes only — all names and details are fictional)
Harold Benjamin Carter, 87, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born on August 21, 1937, in Springfield, Ohio, Harold was the son of Raymond and Louise Carter. After graduating from Springfield High School, he served honorably in the United States Air Force before beginning a 40-year career as a machinist with Dayton Manufacturing.
In 1962, Harold married the love of his life, Patricia Miller, and together they raised two children. Known for his quick wit, steady patience, and love of fishing, he spent countless mornings at the lake teaching his grandchildren how to cast a line. Harold was a longtime member of First Community Church and volunteered with the local food pantry for more than 20 years.
Harold is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia; his children, Michael (Laura) Carter and Denise (Robert) Adams; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren who were the joy of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Stanley.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 a.m. at First Community Church in Dayton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project in Harold’s memory.
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Helpful Notes About This Example
This obituary is provided only as a sample to guide your writing. You can adjust tone, length, and details to fit your family’s needs.
Why this example works
Complete and gentle opening sentence
Includes military service respectfully
Highlights personality and family traditions
Avoids private or sensitive information
Ends with clear service and donation details
If this example was helpful and you're ready to create your own, you can begin here:
Create your obituary now → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
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Alternate Wording Options
Short obituary
[Name], [age], of [city, state], passed away on [date]. He is survived by [family members]. A [service type] will be held on [date] at [location].
Obituary written from grandchildren
Our grandfather, [name], taught us the meaning of [value — strength, patience, kindness]…
Cremation wording
• “A private family gathering will be held.”
• “A celebration of life will take place at a later date.”
Faith-based language
• “went home to be with the Lord”
• include scripture
• mention church involvement
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Fill-in-the-Blank Obituary Template
You can copy and customize:
[Full Name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully/after a brief illness/etc.] on [date].
He was born on [birth date] in [birthplace] to [parents’ names, optional]. [First name] graduated from [school] and [career/military/role], where he was known for [qualities/accomplishments].
In [year], he married [spouse’s name], and together they [family highlights]. He will be remembered for [personal traits, hobbies, passions].
[First name] is survived by [list surviving relatives] and preceded in death by [names, if applicable].
A [service type] will be held on [date/time] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, [donation preference].
When you're ready to save, edit, and publish your obituary online, you can do it here:
Start your obituary (no commitment to begin) → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
• feeling pressure to make it perfect
• including home addresses
• adding unnecessary medical details
• switching name formats
• skipping family review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start writing an obituary for a grandfather?
Begin with:
• full name
• age
• city and state
• date of passing
How long should the obituary be?
Most are 200–500 words, but online versions may be longer.
Do I need to include cause of death?
No — it is optional.
Is there one correct format?
No — choose what feels right for your family.
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Final Thoughts
Learning how to write an obituary for your grandfather is not about perfection—it’s about honoring his life and legacy. Take your time, gather memories from family members, and write from the heart.
With RemembrLink, you can:
• write an obituary using our guided template tool
• save drafts and edit anytime
• add photos and family memories
• publish and share with relatives and friends
Begin your obituary here → https://www.remembrlink.com/create_obituray