Gifts & Memorial Donations
Mr. Kenneth Wayne Grissom, Sr., of Leland, NC passed away peacefully at his home on March 18, 2023.
He was born on April 12, 1938 in Itawamba, Mississippi to the late Salone Elmer Grissom and Vera Pearson.
Ken lived in Deland, FL for years before moving to St. Augustine, FL. He and his wife, Trish, moved to NC in 2021.
Mr. Grissom proudly served in the US Navy for 20 years. Ken was a senior chief, NTDS Air Intercept and antisubmarine air controller. He traveled many Ports and served one tour in Vietnam. He was stationed in San Diego, CA and retired in Norfolk, VA.
Ken had his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying, watching birds, deer and all wildlife, and putting puzzles on his iPad. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of St. Augustine, FL. Ken was a gentle man and beloved by all who had the honor of knowing him and will be dearly missed. We would be remiss if we did not mention Ken being an avid Alabama fan and enjoyed watching college football, especially when Bama won, ROLL TIDE!
Ken is survived by his wife, Patricia Buote Grissom of 6 years; son, Kenneth Wayne Grissom, Jr. (Diana), Cheryl Flesher (Wesley) of Theodore, AL and 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson, Paula Vann (Chad) of Charlotte, NC, Karen Gurley (Chad) of Atlanta, GA and Dawn Saul of Cedar City, UT, and Robert Switzer of Glen Burnie, MD; and 3 great grandchildren, Chad, Jr., Ava Gurly and Jonathan Switzer and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Charmaine Espinosa Grissom, two sons, Kevin Grissom and Greg Espinosa and one daughter Tammi Lynn Switzer.
An interment will be at the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Norfolk, VA at a later date.
In honor of Ken, if you would like, please send donations to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary at 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT 84741.
https://bestfriends.org/donate?form=FUNLJQZPGEN
Share memories and condolences by visiting the “Tribute Wall” below.
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Leland Chapel – 525 Village Road Leland, NC 28451 910-383-3511
Tribute Wall