SLS 14RS-2796 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2014
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 84
BY SENATOR DORSEY-COLOMB
CONDOLENCES. Extends sincere condolences upon the death of Francis Grayson Jr. of
Baton Rouge.
A RESOLUTION1
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the2
death of Francis Grayson Jr. of Baton Rouge.3
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and sadness that the passing of Francis Grayson4
Jr. on April 18, 2014, at age fifty-three; and 5
WHEREAS, he was a native of Monroe, Louisiana, and was educated in the Monroe6
City School System and Southern University in Baton Rouge; and7
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson was respected and cherished by everyone with whom8
he interacted and was an ultimate professional, community innovator, and genuinely good9
person whose glowing personality and wit resulted in him being perfectly fit for a career in10
hospitality; and 11
WHEREAS, as a business executive, he was also instrumental in the revitalization12
of downtown Baton Rouge as he spent many of his days working to improve the area; and13
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson and his business partner, Gayle Carnahan, operated a14
hospitality company named Nu Vieux for many years in Baton Rouge; and15
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson was a familiar smiling face at some of the city's nicest16
hotels such as Hotel Indigo, where he worked as general manager since its opening in 2011;17
and18 SR NO. 84
SLS 14RS-2796 ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, prior to Hotel Indigo, he was a major contributor to the opening of the1
Belle of Baton Rouge and the Sheraton Hotel; and2
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson could often be found overseeing events at the Lyceum3
Ballroom and the Kress Building; and 4
WHEREAS, he had a very successful career in hospitality for over thirty years5
beginning as a restaurant server; and6
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson took pride in his work and made it his primary goal7
to send every guest or customer away with a very positive impression of the venues that he8
managed as he did not just meet people, but he formed lasting relationships with his9
customers which provided him with a nationwide network; and10
WHEREAS, he was involved in the Downtown Development District, YMCA11
Downtown, Historic Homes Association, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Visit Baton 12
Rouge, and Hotel Owners IHG; and13
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson is survived by his parents, Elvator M. Grayson and14
Francis and Anita Grayson; sister, Cheron Grayson-Atunrase; brother, Frederick Grayson15
and wife Tracey; and16
WHEREAS, the loss of the precious soul that lived in Francis Grayson is mourned17
by many across the country and he will be missed by all.18
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana19
does hereby express sincere condolences to the family and closest friends of Francis Grayson20
Jr. upon his death.21
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to22
Elvator M. Grayson and Francis and Anita Grayson.23
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by J. Ashley Mitchell.
DIGEST
Dorsey-Colomb SR No. 84
Expresses condolences upon the death of Francis Grayson Jr. of Baton Rouge.