Memorial services for Thomas Vernon Grissom, 77 of San Augustine TX will be held on Saturday, December 07, 2019 at Cason Monk-Metcalf, 5400 North Street, Nacogdoches TX 75965. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with memorial service at 11:00 a.m.
MSG (Ret) Tom Grissom was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 30, 1942 and passed away on November 28, 2019 in San Augustine TX. Inspired by his cousin Astronaut Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Tom joined the military and proudly served 31 years in the U.S. Army with a combination of Active Duty, National Guard, and Army Reserves before retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8). While on active duty, Tom went through Airborne training and served with the 82nd Airborne in multiple locations, including Colombia and the Panama Canal Zone. Tom performed helicopter maintenance and demolitions while serving as a member of an Engineering Battalion. During his time in the National Guard, Tom also worked as a Police Officer in Oakland City, IN.
Tom was a member of the American Legion Post 86 Nacogdoches, TX. Hobbies included bowling, woodworking, and golfing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and a weekly get together with the “Over-the-Hill Gang” family and friends: Harvey Bennett, Vickie Huss, Jim Bennett, and Wilbur, Doug and Rick Huss.
Thomas V. Grissom is survived by Patricia, his wife of 39 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Lorie Williams and husband Jack; step-son, Kristofer Butchers and wife Angie, daughter, Katherine Clay and companion Jeremy Manning; son, Thomas “Alex” Grissom and wife Patty; sisters: Sheila Kestle; Diane Spenos and husband George; and Sandra Shears; brother, John Grissom; 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, multiple nephews and nieces; and special friends, John and Susan Scholl, Ralph and Elaine Sanders, Christine Ballow, Charles and Elise Morris, and many others too numerous to name.
He is preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandparents; Earnest and Katie Clouse; mother, Marguerite Bartholomew; step-father, Edward Bartholomew; father, Thomas Franklin Grissom; and 8 year old grandson, Sebastian Clay.
Tom was baptized in his youth. He attended local churches throughout his life, most recently Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in San Augustine, TX with Pastor Randy Mills.
In lieu of flowers, donations to help with final expenses will be accepted with gratitude at the below link.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-for-fathers-funeral-expenses?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1
