James Edward "Eddie" Grissom

SALISBURY—James Edward (“Eddie”) Grissom, 72, of Salisbury passed away on Monday, September 19, 2016, at his home after an extended illness. He was born on April 20, 1944 in Salisbury, to the late James A. and Mary Trexler Grissom. Eddie graduated from North Rowan High School in 1962 and from Lenoir-Rhyne College with a degree in business administration in 1966. He was Captain of the 1965 Lenoir-Rhyne football team. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (A/1/9), from 1966 to 1970. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for outstanding performance of managerial duties, heroism under fire, expertise of technical knowledge, and exemplary leadership. Eddie was also awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received in action against the enemy. He was honorably discharged in 1970. Eddie’s favorite pastimes were taking his grandchildren on rides through the woods on the OT (“orange thing”—an all-terrain vehicle), teasing everyone and sharing jokes with the grandchildren, making up funny messages for the answering machine, collecting antiques and Southern Railway memorabilia until Judy said "no more," having long discussions in the "man cave" with his friends, and just enjoying life. He competed in numerous marathons and cycling races throughout his life. He was employed as a medical practice financial consultant for much of his career. The last two and a half years of illness were difficult but also a special time for Eddie to enjoy visits from fellow Marines, college football friends, colleagues, clients, and his many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. and Mary Trexler Grissom, and his son Brian Scott Rierson. He is survived by his wife, Judy Scott Grissom; son, Daryl Edward Grissom and wife Erin of Herndon, VA; daughter, Autumn Rierson Michael and husband Jeff of Davidson, NC; daughter Heidi Grissom Bell and husband Matt, of Cary, NC; his sister, Mary Ann Grissom Hoover of Cary, NC; numerous nieces and nephews, and seven grandchildren: Pandora Grissom, Isaac and Micah Bell, and Boone, Della Scott, Mary Kirk, and Sarah Frances Michael. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rowan Hospice staff, especially Angie Harrison and Drs. Chet Amin and Tom Ginn, and a special thank you to extended family member, Denny Triche. Visitation and Service: Visitation will be held from 6 -8 pm on Friday, September 23, 2016 at Summersett Funeral Home, 1315 W. Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144. Interment with military honors by the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard will take place at Rowan Memorial Park, 4125 Franklin Comm. Center Road, Salisbury, NC 28144. Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Scott Rierson Scholarship Fund at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 West Innes Street, Salisbury, North Carolina, 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Grissom family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

James Edward "Eddie" Grissom

April 20, 1944 - September 19, 2016