How to Write a Eulogy for Your Grampa - Eulogy Examples & Tips

Writing a eulogy for your grandpa can feel like standing on a cliff and trying to hold a whole life in one hand. You want to honor him, tell the stories that matter, and get through the moment with honesty and grace. This guide gives you a clear plan, sample scripts you can adapt, and practical tips to deliver your words even if you are nervous. We explain terms and acronyms you might see and include short templates you can fill in right away.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone who has been asked to speak about their grandpa at a funeral, memorial, graveside service, or celebration of life. Maybe you are the oldest grandchild and the family asked you. Maybe you are the one who lived nearby and visited most often. Maybe the relationship was complicated. All of that is okay. There are examples for short tributes, more detailed speeches, and for those who want to add gentle humor.

What is a eulogy

A eulogy is a speech that honors a person who has died. It is usually delivered during a funeral or memorial service. A eulogy is different from an obituary. An obituary is a written notice that gives factual details like birth date, survivors, and service times. A eulogy is personal. It is a story about the person and how they mattered to people who loved them.

Terms you might see

• Obituary A written notice about a death that usually includes biographical details and arrangements.
• Order of service The schedule for a funeral or memorial listing readings, music, and speakers.
• Pallbearer A person who helps carry the casket. They are often close family or friends.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering that focuses on stories, photos, and memory sharing.
• Hospice Care that focuses on comfort for people nearing the end of life. Hospice care can be delivered at home or in a facility.
• Veteran A person who served in the military. If your grandpa was a veteran you may want to include service details or military honors.

How long should a eulogy for a grandpa be

Short and focused is usually better than long and wandering. Aim for about three to seven minutes. That translates to roughly 400 to 800 spoken words. If multiple people are speaking check with the family or officiant so the whole service fits the planned time.

Before you start writing

Some quick prep makes the writing and delivery much easier.

• Ask about timing Confirm how long you are expected to speak and where your eulogy fits in the order of service.
• Decide the tone Do you want quiet and reflective, warm and funny, or a mix? Check with close family so the tone matches what they want to remember.
• Gather memories Ask siblings, cousins, or friends for one memory each. Small stories often say more than long lists of accomplishments.
• Pick three things to highlight Choose three traits or stories that will be the spine of your speech. Three items give shape and keep you focused.
• Choose your opening line Practice the first sentence until it feels steady. It will calm you when you begin.

Structure that works for a grandpa eulogy

Use a simple structure to organize your thoughts. This shape helps the audience follow and helps you keep going if emotions come up.

• Opening Say who you are and your relation to your grandpa. Offer one sentence that sets the tone.
• Life sketch Give a short overview of his life. Focus on roles and habits rather than a long resume.
• Stories Share one or two short anecdotes that reveal character. Keep them specific and sensory.
• What he taught you Summarize the lessons, habits, or values he passed on.
• Closing Offer a goodbye line, a short reading, a quote, or an invitation for everyone to remember a small thing he loved.

How to write the opening

The opening sets the tone. Keep it simple and honest. Start with your name and relationship and add one clear sentence about why you are speaking.

Opening examples

• Hello. I am Olivia and I am Joe s oldest granddaughter. We are here today to remember the man who made every game feel like the most important game.
• Hi everyone. I am Mark. Grandpa Frank was my joke coach and my quiet hero. I want to share a small story that shows both sides of him.
• Good afternoon. I am Maya, his granddaughter. He taught me how to fix a lawnmower and how to tell a truth even when it hurt.

How to write the life sketch

The life sketch is not a biography. Pick details that matter for your story. Mention roles like husband, father, veteran, volunteer, or gardener and a couple of facts that help the audience picture his life.

Life sketch templates

• [Name] was born in [place] in [year]. He worked as [job] and retired after [number] years. He married [spouse name] and together they raised [number] children. He loved [hobby] and could be found [habit].
• [Name] moved to [city] when he was [age]. He was known for [trait] and for always [small ritual]. That ritual told you everything about who he was.

Anecdotes that land

Stories are the heart of a eulogy. Pick ones with a clear setup and payoff. Short sensory details help listeners remember. Avoid long backstory that takes the speech off track.

Good anecdote examples

• When I was seven he taught me to change a tire. He let me do most of the work so that I felt useful. I still remember his hands guiding mine and the smell of motor oil that somehow felt like comfort.
• Grandpa loved fishing even though he never caught the biggest fish. He claimed the secret was patience. On slow afternoons he would sit and tell stories about his childhood. Those stories taught me how to slow down.
• At family dinners he had a tradition of asking everyone what they were proud of that week. Some weeks we gave small answers. He made space for pride and for ordinary wins.

Using humor safely

Humor can ease the room and give people permission to smile. Use small earned jokes that show who he was. Avoid anything that might embarrass living family members or that trades on private family conflict.

Safe humor examples

• Grandpa had a rule about socks. He believed a man could never have too many and that they should be a statement. His sock collection was, in his words, tasteful and undefeated.
• He could nap anywhere. I once found him asleep in the rocking chair with a newspaper folded over his face like a tent. He woke up ready to tell you the best part of the paper which was usually the comics.

Addressing complicated relationships

Not every relationship with a grandpa is perfect. If things were hard you can be honest and respectful. Focus on what you can honestly say. It is okay to acknowledge distance or difficulty and to note any small reconciliations or lessons you took away.

Examples for complicated relationships

• My relationship with Grandpa was not simple. We had long quiet stretches and then small moments of connection. I want to remember those moments because they taught me that people can change slowly and that grace is available even after mistakes.
• He was strict and sometimes impatient. He also taught me the value of work and of showing up for someone. I am grateful for that even when it was hard to see then.

Full eulogy examples you can adapt

Below are ready to use examples. Replace bracketed text with names and details that fit your grandpa. Read them aloud and edit to make them sound like you.

Example 1: Short sincere tribute two to three minutes

Hello. I am Ben, his grandson. My grandpa, Harold, had a laugh that filled a room and a way of making you feel like you were the only person he had time for. He worked as a carpenter and his hands built our favorite tree house and fixed every broken thing in our lives. One memory that stands out is the summer he taught me to paint a fence. He let me do the trimming and taught me patience by telling stories while I worked. He taught me how to take pride in doing something well and how to keep promises. We will miss his stories and his steady presence. Thank you for being here to honor him.

Example 2: Three to five minute reflection with humor

Hi everyone. I am Amy and I am his eldest granddaughter. Grandpa Tom had two rules. Rule one was never leave a fishing pole unattended in the garage. Rule two was never tell a secret to the cat because the cat would not keep it. He loved Sundays, his garden, and telling the same joke until it finally landed. He served in the navy and came home with grit and a soft spot for anyone who needed a meal. One small story that captures him is the time he tried to teach me how to grill. He was patient until I flipped the burger into his lap. He laughed and said that was a new kind of seasoning. He taught me to laugh at mistakes and to feed people well. I am grateful for that and for the many little ways he made us feel cared for. Please join me in remembering one small simple thing he gave you.

Example 3: For a veteran grandpa

Good afternoon. I am David, his grandson. Grandpa Louis served in the army and he carried that service into the way he lived. He was punctual, disciplined, and fiercely loyal. After the service he came home and became a teacher. He told us that teaching was another kind of duty. He loved his students and his family with equal seriousness. One memory I have is when he took me to a parade and explained the meaning of each flag. He cared about honoring people and the honorable thing is to keep that memory alive. We will miss his steady voice and the small rituals that mattered to him. Thank you to all who served by his side and thank you for being here for our family.

Example 4: For a warm storytelling grandpa

Hello. I am Leila, his granddaughter. If you met my grandpa you met a story teller. He could take a small event like a broken milk bottle and turn it into an epic about bravery and redemption. He taught me that stories are a way to hold memory. One summer evening we sat on his porch while fireflies blinked. He told me about his childhood and how they had to share a single loaf of bread. Those stories taught me about gratitude and about how people keep each other going. I am grateful for his voice and for the way he made the past feel like a map for living. Thank you for sharing this time with us.

Fill in the blank templates

Use these templates to craft your own words. Fill in the brackets and then read it out loud and edit until it sounds natural.

Template A Short and sweet

My name is [Your Name]. I am [Grandpa s Name] [grandchild son daughter]. [Grandpa s Name] was born in [place year]. He worked as [job] and loved [hobby]. One memory that shows who he was is [brief story]. He taught me [lesson]. We will miss [what people will miss]. Thank you for being here.

Template B Slightly longer with two stories

Hi. I am [Your Name]. My grandpa, [Name], had a habit of [quirky habit]. The first memory I want to share is [short story one]. That story shows how he was [character trait]. The second memory is [short story two], which taught me [lesson]. In short he gave us [summary of gifts]. Please join me in carrying one of his habits forward by [small action like planting a tree or telling one story at your next family dinner].

Template C For complicated relationships

My name is [Your Name]. Our relationship with [Grandpa s Name] was complicated. We had distance or disagreements, but we also had moments like [small reconciliation or memory]. In the end I learned [honest lesson]. I am grateful for that and for the chance to remember him today.

Practical tips for delivery

Speaking is hard when you are grieving. Use these tactics to stay steady.

• Print your speech Use large font. Paper is easier to handle than a phone when emotions are close.
• Use cue cards One thought per card keeps you moving forward and reduces the chance of losing your place.
• Mark pauses Put a bracket where you want to breathe or where the audience may laugh. Pauses give you time to regroup.
• Practice out loud Read the eulogy to a friend, a partner, or alone in a quiet room. Practice slows down your speech and reveals awkward phrases.
• Bring tissues and water A glass of water can save your voice. Tissues are a human necessity in the front row.
• Arrange a backup If you think you may not finish, ask a family member to be ready to step up and finish a closing line for you.
• Mic technique Keep the microphone a few inches from your mouth and speak at a normal volume. If there is no mic project your voice slowly and clearly.

When tears come

If you cry pause, breathe, look at your notes, and continue when you can. If your voice breaks slow down. Saying fewer words slowly is often more powerful than rushing. The audience will give you grace. You are allowed to be human in that room.

How to include readings, poems, and music

Small readings are best. If you include a poem choose two to four lines rather than a long piece. If you use a song pick one verse or a short clip. Confirm the officiant is comfortable with the choice and provide printed text in the program if possible.

Reading and music ideas for grandpas

• A short Bible verse if the family is religious.
• A line from a favorite folk song or hymn.
• A brief quote about grandfathering roles or about work and rest.
• Children s drawings or recorded voice notes if grandchildren are far away.

Logistics and who to tell

• Tell the funeral director if you need a microphone or printed copies of your remarks.
• Confirm with the officiant where you will stand and how many minutes you have.
• Provide a copy of your speech to the person running the service so they can include it in a program or memory book.

After the eulogy

People may ask for a copy. Offer to email it or to have the funeral home include it in a memory book. Some families record the audio and share it privately. That recording can be comforting to family members who could not attend.

Glossary of useful terms and acronyms

• Eulogy A speech given at a funeral or memorial to honor the person who died.
• Obituary A written notice that announces a death and usually lists service details.
• Order of service The plan for the funeral listing the sequence of events.
• Pallbearer The people who carry the casket. They are normally family or close friends.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering that focuses on stories and photos.
• Hospice Care that focuses on comfort and quality of life near the end of life.
• Veteran A person who served in the military. Military honors may be part of their service.
• RSVP This acronym stands for the French phrase respond s il vous plait which means please respond. It appears on invitations to ask guests to confirm attendance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a eulogy if I am extremely nervous

Start with your name and your relation to your grandpa. A simple opening like Hello my name is [Your Name] and I am [Grandpa s Name] grandchild gives you a steady place to begin. Practice that line until it feels familiar. That small ritual helps calm nerves when you step up to speak.

What if I forget my place or get too upset to continue

Pause and breathe. Look at your notes. If you cannot continue have a designated person ready to finish a closing sentence for you. Many people prepare a one sentence closing that can be read by someone else so the speech ends with a clear thought.

Can I include a joke

Yes. Small earned jokes that come from real memories are often welcome. Use humor that lifts and does not single out or embarrass people in the room. Follow a joke with a sincere line to reconnect the tone.

Should I give a copy of the eulogy to the family or funeral home

Yes. Providing a copy helps the officiant and the person running the service include the text in a program or memory book. It also makes it easy to share the words later with family members who could not attend.

How do I make the eulogy feel personal

Use small specific details rather than lists of achievements. Mention an object, a smell, a ritual, or a phrase your grandpa used. Short stories with a clear payoff help listeners picture the person and remember them.

How long should the eulogy be

Aim for three to seven minutes. That is long enough to tell a few meaningful stories without losing focus. If others are speaking check with the family about the total time for speakers.

Is it okay to read from my phone

Yes you can, but make sure the device will not ring and that the screen is readable in the venue. Many people prefer printed pages or index cards because they are easier to handle when emotions run high.

Can I include military honors or veteran details

If your grandpa was a veteran mention his service and check with the family about military honors. The funeral director or veteran s organization can advise about protocols and whether flags or honors will be presented during the service.

What do I do after I deliver the eulogy

People will often approach you to share memories or to say thank you. You may want to have a short break before joining others. Offer to send a copy to those who ask and consider recording the audio for family members who could not attend.