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Regular Session, 2014 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 84
BY SENATOR DORSEY-COLOMB
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of Francis Grayson Jr. of Baton Rouge.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and sadness that the Senate of the Legislature of
Louisiana learned of the passing of Francis Grayson Jr. on April 18, 2014, at age fifty-three;
and
WHEREAS, he was a native of Monroe, Louisiana, and was educated in the Monroe
City School System and Southern University in Baton Rouge; and
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson was respected and cherished by everyone with whom
he interacted and was an ultimate professional, community innovator, and genuinely good
person whose glowing personality and wit resulted in him being perfectly fit for a career in
hospitality; and
WHEREAS, as a business executive, he was also instrumental in the revitalization
of downtown Baton Rouge as he spent many of his days working to improve the area; and
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson and his business partner, Gayle Carnahan, operated a
hospitality company named Nu Vieux for many years in Baton Rouge; and
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson was a familiar smiling face at some of the city's nicest
hotels such as Hotel Indigo, where he worked as general manager since its opening in 2011;
and
WHEREAS, prior to Hotel Indigo, he was a major contributor to the opening of the
Belle of Baton Rouge and the Sheraton Hotel; and
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson could often be found overseeing events at the Lyceum
Ballroom and the Kress Building; and
WHEREAS, he had a very successful career in hospitality for over thirty years
beginning as a restaurant server; and
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson took pride in his work and made it his primary goal
to send every guest or customer away with a very positive impression of the venues that he
managed as he did not just meet people, but he formed lasting relationships with his SR NO. 84 ENROLLED
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customers which provided him with a nationwide network; and
WHEREAS, he was involved in the Downtown Development District, YMCA
Downtown, Historic Homes Association, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Visit Baton
Rouge, and Hotel Owners IHG; and
WHEREAS, Francis Grayson is survived by his parents, Elvator M. Grayson and
Francis and Anita Grayson; sister, Cheron Grayson-Atunrase; brother, Frederick Grayson
and wife Tracey; and
WHEREAS, the loss of the precious soul that lived in Francis Grayson is mourned
by many across the country and he will be missed by all.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Francis Grayson Jr.
upon his death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Elvator M. Grayson and Francis and Anita Grayson.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE