Howard Grindstaff, 83, of Elizabethton, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at his residence with his family by his side.
Howard was born November 27, 1932 in Elizabethton to the late Alfred and Etta Pearce Grindstaff. He was known for his outgoing personality and his storytelling. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known for his woodworking skills.
Howard retired from Mapes Piano String Company. He was an avid UT Vols Fan. He was a member of Union Hill Free Will Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Art Grindstaff, and two sisters, Ruby Hicks and Darlene Hampton.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 62 years, Margaret Patrick Grindstaff; one daughter, Robin (Glen) Sams; two sons, Gary (Jennie) Grindstaff and David (Libby) Grindstaff; three grandsons, Gary (April) Sams, Justin (Rebekah) Grindstaff and Ayden Grindstaff; one granddaughter, Madison (Joe) Bowman; four great-grandchildren, Taylor Grindstaff, Jared Grindstaff, Patrick Sexton, Noah Sams and soon to be Charles Curtis Bowman; two brothers, Dean (Floy) Grindstaff and Glenn Grindstaff; three sisters, Patricia Guinn, Cleta Mae Kyte and Chrystal Hicks; and several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Diane Cannon.
Graveside services for Howard Grindstaff will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday, April 8, in the Blevins Cemetery with the Rev. Roger Hayley and the Rev. Ray Colbaugh officiating. The Eulogy will be given by two of his grandsons, Gary Sams and Justin Grindstaff. Interment will follow the service. Active pallbearers will be nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Glover, Gary Eggers, John Lewis, John Blair, Keith Herman, Frank Shaff, J.L. Collins (his best friend whom he loved like a brother), Norman Garland, Lockett Carden, David Garland, Robert Frazier, Ralph Andes, Harmon Glover and Dallas Carrier. To those who prefer, memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Grindstaff to the American Heart Association, 208 Sunset Drive, Suite #56, Johnson City, TN 37604. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Grindstaff family.