Roy Luther Grindstaff, 83, was born in Elizabethton, Tenn., on August 6, 1935, and he went to be with the Lord on November 5, 2018, at his daughter’s home in Hernando, Miss., surrounded by his loving family.
Roy was a guitar player in “The Rambling Troubadours” band when he met the love of his life, Virginia Faye McCanless. Roy and Virginia dated for three years before getting married at the home of Hazel and Bob Carlisle in August of 1962. The two of them spent the next 56 years together; they were best friends, traveling companions and co-conspirators.
Roy was a retired electrician; he was a member for over 60 years of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers, Local Union 429. He used to say that IBEW stood for “I’ve Been Everywhere.” He and Ginny traveled all over the country, raising two children, while he worked for the IBEW, including working on the World Trade Center. He called the IBEW’s job line regularly, still looking for work.
Roy was a “yellow-dog” Democrat. He was determined to vote, and one of his proudest moments was to absentee vote in the most recent election. He voted for every Democrat on the ballot.
Roy was voted “Best Looking” of his Senior Class in 1953, when he graduated from Unaka High School (the Temple of Knowledge). He was President of his Sophomore Class and of his Senior Class. He had perfect attendance, great grades, and was a member of the football team.
He was a 50+ year Mason, now a member of the Dashiell Lodge #238 in Elizabethton, Tenn. He still proudly carries his Masonic card in his wallet.
Roy is survived by his wife and best friend, Virginia McCanless Grindstaff; his daughter Robin and her husband Lanier Hurdle; his son Randy and his wife Kathy; grandchildren, Kelsey Costa, Rachel Grindstaff, Daniel Grindstaff and Sy Hurdle; great-grandchild, Ila Ray Dewhirst; sisters, Hazel Carlisle and Shirley (Pete) Prikals; nephews and nieces, Joseph (Rhonda) Carlisle, Debra (Larry) Woods, Melissa (Clay) Kirkendall, Petris (Amanda) Prikals III, Marshall Wayne (Willie) Collins, Michael (JoAnn) Underwood and April (Johnny) Henderson; special friends, Carol Ayers and Kelly and Lynn Bowers.
He was predeceased by his grandson, Noah Costa; his parents, Noah and Golda Grindstaff; his siblings, Billy Grindstaff and Grace Grindstaff; and his beloved brother-in-law, Bob Carlisle.
Pallbearers will be Joseph Carlisle, Daniel Grindstaff, Sy Hurdle, Taylor Moore (standing in for Noah Costa), Petris Prikals III, Michael Underwood and Larry Woods. Honorary pallbearers will be Unaka High School’s Class of 1953.
Roy was a lifelong member of Stoney Creek Baptist Church, where the visitation will be held on Friday, November 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor David Foster officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Grindstaff Family Cemetery on Eggers Lane. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Roy Grindstaff Memorial at Stoney Creek Baptist Church, 1843 Highway 91, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Masonic Honors will be provided by Dashiell Masonic Lodge # 238. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website: www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Grindstaff family.