John D. "Ham" Grissom

John David (Ham) Grissom, age 86 of Trussville, Alabama, peacefully passed away on November 8, 2024. He was surrounded by his beloved wife and loving family in his last moments before entering his Heavenly home. He was born on March 12, 1938, in Birmingham, Alabama to Ellen Grissom; he was raised by his loving grandmother, Laura Grissom. He was in the US Army and a true patriot. He was a talented baseball player; he played on the Army Baseball Team in Korea. He played senior softball for many years and was inducted into the Alabama Softball Hall of Fame. He retired from both Chicago Bridge and Iron Company and B.L. Harbert International. He loved spending time with his family, playing baseball, sharing stories, Alabama football and the Atlanta Braves. He was known for his unwavering devotion to his family, his sense of humor, and his strength of character. He touched the lives of all who knew him and left a legacy of love for his wife, four children, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and countless other family and friends.

As a devoted husband, John David (Ham) Grissom was married to the love of his life, Sandra Rumore Grissom, for 65 years. Their love story continues to be an inspiration to all who witnessed it. As a father, he was both a steady presence and loving guide and took pride in his four children: Johnny Grissom (Rhonda), Lisa Lothspeich (Michael), Lori Fant (George), and Benny Grissom (Lindsay). In his role as grandfather and great-grandfather, Ham found great happiness in watching his family grow. He was adored by his thirteen grandchildren: Shea, Leeanna (Brett), Shannon (Cody), Haley, Trey, Mackenzie (Wes), Mallorie (Zack), Kendall (Joey), Amelia (Matt), John David, Caroline, Savannah (John Murphy), and Will (Emily). His twenty-four great-grandchildren were a pure source of joy for him: Cade, Emma, Will, John David, Lucy, Hampton, Smith, Beau, Kayli, Charlotte, Ford, Sam, Weston, Jett, River, Addie, Sterling, Millie, Stone, Shepherd, Mila, John Whitton, Grayson, and Maisie Joe. He leaves behind two sisters, Donna and Connie. His entire family will forever carry with them the bond and immense love he had for them.

John David (Ham) Grissom was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen Grissom Dempsey, his loving grandmother (who raised him), Laura Grissom, and his grandson, Trey Smith. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Rumore Grissom, his four children, thirteen grandchildren, and twenty-four great grandchildren with one on the way, all of whom will deeply miss him but take comfort in the promise of Heaven and the legacy of love he leaves behind.

A service to honor John David (Ham) Grissom will be on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville with visitation from 12:00-2:00 and a memorial service at 2:00, with burial to follow. The pallbearers are his two sons, Johnny and Benny; two grandsons, John David and Will; and two sons-in-law, George and Michael. The family invites friends and loved ones to join in celebrating his remarkable life and legacy.