Thomas E. Grissom's Obituary
Thomas Edward Grissom was born on June 9, 1926 in Franklinton, North Carolina to the late David Grissom and the late Margaret Perry. Thomas was the second of five children. He departed this life on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 to receive his eternal reward.
Thomas received his education from the Creedmoor School System. He was drafted into The United States Army in 1945. Thomas served in World War II, The Korean War, France, and the Vietnam War. He also served tours of duty in California, Germany, Ft. Lewis, Washington, and The Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.
While serving in the United States Military, Thomas met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Gudes on October 23, 1948. From this union two beautiful daughters were born; Dorothy Ann and Patricia Ann Grissom. Thomas received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age.
Thomas retired from the United States Army on March 1, 1972. He and Dorothy moved to Lakewood, Washington where Thomas worked at Sears. He also worked for The North Thurston School District as a school bus driver for many years. He took pride in his work and received numerous accolades in all of his professions. Thomas was a member of the Lee Grant Masonic Lodge in Tacoma, Washington and an active member of Grace Chapel and served on the Male Chorus for many years. He and Dorothy were inseparable and the best dressed couple at Grace Chapel. His favorite songs were “Going Up Yonder” and “Cooling Water.”
His hobbies were singing, bowling, working on cars and cooking barbecue. Thomas was given the nickname Dunke Dunke by his loving grandchildren. He also loved sports.
He will be remembered for his loving spirit, his quietness and his work ethics.
Thomas was preceded in death by his two sisters; Stella Mae Jones and Virginia Grant-Grissom and two brothers Daniel J. Grissom and Willie Grissom.
He leaves to God's loving care and cherished memories to his devoted wife; Dorothy Grissom of 68 years, two devoted daughters; Dorothy Ann Greene (Joe) of Lacey, Washington and Patricia Ann Spain (Wilbert) Jr. of Hinesville, Georgia; four granddaughters; Ayanna Greene of Lacey, Washington; Kinshasha Banks of Olympia, Washington; Akisha Stewart, (Curtis) of Houston, Texas; and Anitria Greene of Newport Beach, California; one grandson; Kenyatta Banks of Scottsdale, Arizona; three great grandsons Kordell, Kaleb and Kai Stewart of Houston, Texas; one devoted sister; Ida Lee Grissom of Baltimore, Maryland and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be held 2:00PM-5:00PM Sunday, January 14th at Mountain View Funeral Home.
A Funeral Service honoring the life of Thomas will be held 11:00 am, Monday, January 15, 2018 in the Aspen Chapel, Interment and Repast to follow at Mountain View View Funeral Home & Memorial Park.
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