Joseph Henry Grist

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Joseph Henry Grist, 91, of Lexington, Va. died Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Augusta Health Center, surrounded by family. Born June 14, 1928 in Rabun Gap, Ga., 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 had 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. As a friend has said, this world is better for his life, poorer in his passing, but he is crowned and covered in the Glory of God.

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, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Sharon R. Grist; thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A funeral service was held Monday, July 15, 2019 at Manly Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. J. Michael Wilkins and Dr. Thomas G. Harvey officiating.  Burial followed at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery

The family suggests that contributions can be made to the Manly Memorial Youth Fund c/o CornerStone Bank, N.A., 54 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.