John R Grisham Sr.

John R. Grisham Sr., died peacefully at his home in Mountain View, Ark., on Sunday, Jan. 22. He was 87. Mr. Grisham was preceded in death by Wanda, his beloved wife of 63 years. He leaves behind five children: Beth Grisham of Mountain View; John Grisham, Jr., of Charlottesville, Va.; Kenny Grisham of Collierville, Tenn.; Mark Grisham of Crossville, Tennessee; and Wendy Grisham of London, England. He is also succeeded by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Grisham moved his family to Southaven, Miss., in 1967, and lived there for almost 30 years. He was active in the First Baptist Church, Boy Scouts, and local politics. He led the drive to incorporate Southaven in 1980, and was elected to the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors in 1985. From 1974 to 1990, he was the owner of Grisham Equipment Company in Southaven. He was a 32 Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite. After leaving Southaven, Mr. and Mrs. Grisham retired to Mountain View, where they were faithful servants and active members of First Baptist Church. Mr. Grisham enjoyed fishing on the White River, woodworking, and watching Cardinal baseball. He was buried next to his wife on Jan. 27 in a private service. In lieu of flowers, he requested that gifts be made to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 1134, Mountain View, Ark. 72560.