Rufus "Tommy" Grissette

Rufus “Tommy” Thomas Grissette, age 73, a lifelong resident of Pike County, Alabama, was called to green pastures Monday, August 30, 2021, following an extended illness. A funeral service will be held Friday, September 3, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Springhill Baptist Church with Pastor Bo Delaney officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Bo Carlisle, Dean Rainey, Payne Griffin, Phenix Griffin, Brett Carlisle, Stonie Griffin, Craig Griffin, and Pierce Gill serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Tommy was a familiar face around the Wiregrass seen about some long, steady jobs he occupied with Dothan Steel, Cash Brothers, and Dorsey Trailer. And sure you may have seen him, but if you knew Tommy, you know his deep-rooted love for crop farming, cattle training, country church faith, and a heaping gather of family and friends.

Tommy grew-up farming—sowing, seeding, plowing, picking—mostly cotton and enough that he never desired to plant that beautiful white fluff in any of his own harvests. His rows of peanuts and corn kept him busy until his kids were all grown, and then his days turned a different pace, a little less rush up and sack down with the sun and a lot more embrace of the warm sunshine and admiration for lush pastures. Tommy turned terraces to grazing and filled his fences with hearty, Black Angus cattle. Even though unadmitted, they each had a name, and his greatest joy was employing strategic persuasion tactics to lure them close with the simple shake of a bucket, a skill only true cattlemen really ever master.

Tommy never missed the occasion for a quick trip, sometimes a short ride over for a good show in Biloxi and saltwater fishing on the beach; or, travelling a long stretch up the mountains to appreciate the change of seasons and the crisp mountain air in Gatlinburg; and, always journeying down the road for a festive date night at El Palacio or over for a fine surf ‘n’ turf platter at McLin’s Restaurant.

Tommy was hopeful, loyal, and faithful. He spent a lifetime as a number one, foam finger fan, waving on the Atlanta Braves and cheering Roll Tide, true through all the seasons, even the ones without a trophy. Tommy anticipated the holiday season and delighted in the opportunities to gather family all together and savored every smile, laugh, and belly-full of holiday cheer. He kept the faith, studious in his church and praising the Lord. If you knew Tommy, you know he was quiet, steady, simple. You might even think he was likened to other great men, cattlemen, like Baxter Black who once said, “Cows are big in my life, people are big in my life, and we are trying to be good for Jesus.” Sure does sound like Tommy.

Mr. Grissette is survived by his wife, Glenda Grissette; children, Leiah Allen (Rodney), Gary Grissett (Cheryl), and April Schultz (Dave); grandchildren, Corey Grissett (Chasity), Amber Simmons (Jonas), Madison Lewis (Judson), Taylor Morgan, and Carlee Wright; great-grandchildren, Emma Grissett, Angel Grissett, Baylon Napper, and Alaina Simmons; step-children, Stonie Griffin and Craig Griffin; step-grandchildren, Payne Griffin, Phenix Griffin, and Pierce Gill; and brothers, William Earl Grissett and James Grissett (Bessie). He was preceded in death by his parents, William Rome and Francis Wilkes Grissett; and sister, Kay Carlisle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Springhill Baptist Church General Fund (64 County Road 3350, Troy, AL 36079). Friends and family can sign the guestbook online at www.greenhillsfuneralhome.net. The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Grissette family.