T. David Grist, esteemed Founding Chief Executive Officer and President of CornerStone Bank of Lexington, Virginia, died on Sunday, February 23, 2014, at UVA Medical Center at the age of 57.
Born on October 5, 1956, he was the son of Roberta and Joseph Grist, also of Lexington, Va.
A lifelong resident of Lexington, David was a 1974 graduate of Lexington High School. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from James Madison University in 1978. He graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University in 1990.
An accomplished and beloved executive, David began his 35 plus year banking career at First National Exchange Bank. A natural salesman who was genuinely interested in his customers, David was the consummate community banker. He went on to serve as Executive Vice President and Board Member of the original Bank of Rockbridge, President of One Valley Bank-Shenandoah and Area Executive for BB&T in Rockbridge County, before being named the first CEO and President of CornerStone Bank.
Passionate about his community, David served and gave generously to many civic and charitable organizations over the years. In 2013, he was named Business Individual of the Year by the Lexington/Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce.
At the time of his death, he was serving on the Board of Directors for Lexington's Habitat for Humanity and the Lexington Police Department Foundation.
David was also most recently named as Vice-Chairman of the Virginia Association of Community Banks. He was a former board member of the Lexington/Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce, the Lexington/Rockbridge Jaycees, the Lexington Golf and Country Club, and the United Way of Lexington/Rockbridge County.
He was a lifelong member of Manly Memorial Baptist Church, where he formerly served as Deacon and on numerous other church committees.
It was difficult for David to walk down the streets of Lexington without being stopped countless times for a short chat or visit. No matter one's station in life, David Grist could be counted on to be a friend. He always made time for those who sought out his expertise, his guidance or his kind words. He remained devoted to the people in his community who were there as he was growing up and who followed him along his professional journey.
But, without question, David's primary purpose in life was his role as a husband, father, son, and brother. Dedication to his family and his God defined David Grist. Those closest to him will remember his genuine concern for others, positive nature, love of family, pursuit of excellence, courageous spirit, and the grace with which he left this life.
David is survived by his wife, Sharon Reid Grist; and their daughter, Hunter. In addition, he is survived by his parents, Joe and Roberta Grist; two sisters, Debra Grist Collins (Rip) and their children, Will and Casey, and Susie Grist Harris (Tim) and their children, Daniel, Ben, Amy, Mackenzie and Katie; two brothers, J. Steven Grist (Frances) and their children, Mason, Mary Wilson and Elizabeth, and Jeffrey S. Grist (Sherry) and their children, Benjamin and Christianne; mother-in-law, Alma Reid; and brother-in-law, Mike Reid (Darlene) and their daughter, Ashley.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2014, at Manly Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. J. Michael Wilkins and Dr. Thomas Harvey officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at the CornerStone Bank.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Rockbridge Ballet Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 150, Lexington, VA 24450 or to the Rockbridge Regional Library Foundation, 138 Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450.
Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va., 540-463-2912.
