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With humble acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing of Rev. Carl C. Grindstaff on Friday, December 22, 2023. He was welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who said “You have fought the good fight, you have finished your race, you have kept the faith, welcome home.” He was an avid hunter and fisherman with a passion for the outdoors and wildlife.
He was married to the love of his life, Audrey Jane Blackburn Grindstaff, for 58 wonderful years. He went on to have five children, 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-grandbabies on the way. Above all, he loved the Lord with all his heart. He was a devoted leader, father and grandfather who led life by example. He pursued his Savior, family, church family and community with love. He finished well; what a beautiful testimony he leaves behind.
Rev. Grindstaff retired from Inland Container Corp.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Grindstaff and Virginia Grindstaff Bowers; a son, Carl Eugene Grindstaff; a daughter, Angela Stonecipher; and a great-granddaughter, Maleigha Audrey Blackwell.
Survivors include his children, Sheila Duncan, Jonathan Grindstaff and wife Sharay, all of Elizabethton, and Jenny Townsend and husband Bob, Johnson City, and son-in-law, Johnny Stonecipher, Elizabethton; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-grandbabies on the way; three brothers, Rev. Paul Grindstaff and wife Sherry, Lester Grindstaff and wife Pat and Sammy Grindstaff and wife Melissa; one sister, Louise Sherrill Estel; and several nieces and nephews.
A service to celebrate the life of Rev. Carl Grindstaff will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Charlie Trivette and the Rev. Dexter Brummitt officiating. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 28, at Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Edward Moser and Dr. John Harrington officiating. Music will be provided by Rev. John Harrington and Cecil Cole. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Toe River Association and churches he had served during his ministry. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10:20 a.m. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Grindstaff family.