Don A Grisham

Don A. Grisham, 84, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away August 4, 2014. He was born June 28, 1930 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to the late Allen Rueben and Opal Larue (Chitwood) Grisham. Don combined his love of journalism and thoroughbred racing into a career that began with the Arkansas Democrat. He then served as a columnist for The Daily Racing Form for 34 and 1/2 years. After retirement, Don performed media relations for Oaklawn Park Race Track. He won many lifetime honors for his journalism endeavors around the world, including his induction in 2009 into the Arkansas Walk of Fame. Each year on April 6, the City of Hot Springs recognizes Don's contributions with "Don Grisham Day". Don is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Charlotte Hurst. He is survived by his wife, Iris Grisham of Hot Springs, Arkansas; brother, Danny S. Grisham (Retta) of Steilacoom, Washington; brother-in-law, Overton Hurst (Gayle) of Hot Springs, Arkansas and a host of nieces, nephews and their families. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home with Bro. Tony Ellis and Bro. Mike Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers include Raymond Sebren, Carroll Endsley, Paul Kemp, Dwight Icenhower, Allen Hurst, Jerry Davis, and Pat Tanner. Honorary pallbearers include Oaklawn Park Family; KSK Fraternity, Buddy and Pat Blass, L.E. Seba, Ken Buchannan and HSU Alumni. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Don Grisham Scholarship Fund at Henderson State University 1100 Henderson St., HSU Box 7540, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71999-0001. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.