Billy Hugh (Bill) Grissom was reunited with the love of his life, Ann, on May 26, 2026.

He was born to Thomas Raymond and Lorena Steverson Grissom in Dry Creek, Mississippi on July 7, 1930. He was the sixth of nine children, and their third and youngest son. Growing up with six sisters prepared him well for his later life by helping him develop the patience and kindness needed to live in a one-bathroom house with his wife, mother-in-law, and three daughters.

After graduating Brandon High School in 1949, he moved to Arkansas for a job. While there he enlisted in the Air Force in lieu of being drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He was more than willing to serve, but chose to do so on his own terms. After completing his training, he was deployed to England where he met a woman who fancied him, but he let her down gently, telling her he already knew who he was going to marry, and her name was Alice Ann Starnes. On December 23, 1953, he was true to his word, and the two of them began a shared adventure that would last over 60 years.

He made the Air Force his career, serving 20 years before retiring as an E-8. At the beginning of his tenure, he was an aircraft mechanic, but at the height of the Cold War he was tapped to join the Titan Missile Program, which led to him being stationed in Jacksonville, Arkansas, a place that soon became home.

After the Air Force he continued to work circles around most others, first owning a furniture store, then hanging siding and painting houses. He enjoyed working for himself, because it allowed him to set his own hours and to have time for the things he loved. Unless he was napping in his chair, downtime for him rarely meant inactivity. He and Ann were active in their church, and had a better social life than most people half their age. They enjoyed camping with their friends, and he hauled their camper all over the country and even into Canada. In addition to camping, he loved to fish and hunt, and was a member of S&H Deer Camp for over 50 years, including a stint as its president.

He was a man of God, and helped spread His word as a member of The Gideons. Through the group he visited many churches, schools, jails, and anywhere else who would let him share his love of Jesus. He also served as a Head Deacon and Sunday School Supervisor for many years, because “too busy” wasn’t something he believed in.

Between doing chores for Ann, working for money, working around the house, leading and serving others, he still managed to find time for Morning Recess (coffee at McDonald’s) with his friends almost daily. He truly lived the width of his life, not just the length.

Bill is survived by his sister, Rebecca “Bec” McManus, daughters, Susan (Gene) Hicks, Cindy Finlay, and Sondra Grissom, grandchildren Jeremy (Denise) Hicks, Aaron Hicks, and Allison Hicks, great-grandchildren Seth (Lucy) Hicks and Becca Hicks, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 4:00-6:00pm at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville. Funeral Service will take place at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Gideons International organization.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com