Joseph Henry Grist, 91, of Lexington, Virginia died Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Augusta Health Center surrounded by family.
Born June 14, 1928 in Rabun Gap, Ga., he was a son of the late Thomas Mason Grist and Helena York Grist. He lived in Lexington for 55 years.
Joe grew up in Georgia and never met a stranger in his life. He could light up a room with a good story, witty joke, or life lesson – often combining all three into one long tale that left everyone feeling a bit more cheery. He wanted everyone to be their very best, and did everything he could to help them get there.
Inducted into three basketball Halls of Fame, he could beat anyone in a game of pick-up well into his 70s and he knew and loved the game better than most. He was a jack-of-all-trades and retired as athletic facilities director at Washington and Lee University after working at Burlington for many years.
Joe was a member of Manly Memorial Baptist Church and a strong Christian role model. He was a loving and attentive son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, coach, and so much more. He will forever be remembered for his unconditional love of his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Thomas David Grist.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Roberta Pruett Grist; children, Debra G. Collins (Rip), J. Steven Grist (Frances), Susie G. Harris (Tim) and Jeffrey S. Grist (Sherry); sister, Doris Grist Rogers of Athens, Ga.; daughter-in-law, Sharon R. Grist; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2019 at Manly Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. J. Michael Wilkins and Dr. Thomas G. Harvey officiating. Burial will follow at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery.
Friends may gather with the family from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 14 at Harrison Funeral Home.
The family suggests that contributions may be made to the Manly Memorial Youth Fund, c/o CornerStone Bank, N.A., 54 S. Main St., Lexington, VA 24450.
Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.
