George Henry GRISSOM Obituary (2025)

George Henry Grissom, age 86, passed away on February 17, 2025, in Yakima, Washington. George was born on June 5, 1938, in Yakima, Washington, to Allen Walter and Bessie Cordelia (Good) Grissom. George graduated from Yakima Senior High, in 1956. He served in the Coast Guard, as an Electronics Technician, from November 1956 until November 1960. On April 6, 1963, George married Alice Loretta Kimmerly, and together they had two sons, Patrick George Grissom and Steven Matthew Grissom. On September 14, 1973, he married Judy Louise Lunde. He worked for Canteen Vending Company, in Tacoma, Washington, from 1961-1980. He started as a routeman and moved into management, as a supervisor, then into the branch manager position. He left Canteen in 1980, to fulfill his life's dream of becoming a farmer/rancher. He started on the ranch which he was raised, and built his herd up to 125 head of primarily Simmental cattle and 250 acres of mostly leased land. In June 1992, he won the Walla Walla County Cattleman's Association Carcass futurity in his first attempt. The Simmental steer that he entered placed first, amongst 60 animals entered by 23 producers. His theory was that behind every good cattleman, was a wife who worked in town, thus his only "hired hand" was only available on evenings and weekends. He also built the home on Rutherford Road, with only the help of Judy, friends, and family. It took two years before moving in, and a few more years to complete the home, shop and sheds. He retired from ranching in 2006, selling the herd and all but five acres of land. While in Tacoma, in the 70's, he was active in the Tacoma Steelhead Club, serving as a chapter officer, and was State Vice President. He also belonged to the Evergreen Bass Club of Tacoma. He belongs to the American Legion Logan Wheeler Post #36, in Yakima. He has been an active bowler, since 1960. He bowled two 300 games, in 2002 and 2006, and had a high series of 791 in 2002. A Viewing will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 3:00-7:00pm, at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 1:00pm, at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Wiley City Rodeo Grounds, in the Blue Barn. George will be laid to rest at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.shawandsons.com