Earl “Jabo” Grindstaff, 86, of Elizabethton, passed away surrounded by his family and friends on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at Johnson City Medical Center. Earl was born in Carter County, Tenn., to the late Thomas R.L. Grindstaff and Eva Brown Bowers Grindstaff. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Junior Grindstaff.
Earl was a devoted and loving husband, father, papaw, and great-papaw. He was the owner and operator of Grindstaff Used Cars for over 52 years and proudly served his country as a United States Army veteran, having served in the Korean War.
Earl was a member of Highlands Fellowship and was a volunteer fireman for the Elizabethton/Carter County Fire Department. He was hardworking and determined and had an abundance of energy. He also enjoyed NASCAR, woodworking and in fact he had taught a class in woodworking. Earl also enjoyed hunting and made hunting trips to Wyoming each year.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 56 years, Shirley Sams Grindstaff, of the home; a son, Rob Grindstaff and wife Tara of Elizabethton; two daughters, Tammy Leonard and husband Barry of Blacksburg, Va., and Teri Oaks of Bristol, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Heather Cook and husband Lafe of Kingsport and Jeffrey Grindstaff and Jennifer Oaks, both of Elizabethton; one great-granddaughter, Piper Cook of Kingsport; three sisters, Carlene Norton of Carter County, Geraldine Hutsell of Florida and Kathleen Grindstaff; and his special friends, Bert Jarrett, Freeman Taylor, Bill Fields and Jeff Williams.
A service to celebrate and honor the life of Earl “Jabo” Grindstaff will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Mr. Kirk Sams officiating. Music will be provided by Mikki Hale, soloist. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from noon until 2 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service. The graveside service will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Bert Jarrett, Bill Fields, Bobby Jones, Jeff Williams and Lafe Cook. The family would like to especially thank Dr. Dengler for his loving care. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Grindstaff and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.