| Sources |
- [S86] McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, (http://www.mccammonammonsclick.com/), 5 Mar 2013.
Edward Gary McCroy obituary
- [S86] McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, (http://www.mccammonammonsclick.com/), 26 May 2008.
Velma Grace Cutshaw Grindstaff obituary
- [S86] McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, (http://www.mccammonammonsclick.com/), 10 Nov 2015.
Belinda Grindstaff Duncan obituary
- [S27] The Daily Times, http://www.thedailytimes.com/, (Blount County, Tennessee), 14 Feb 2009.
Deceased Name: Ralph Houston Grindstaff, ex-Sam Houston Schoolhouse manager, dies
Ralph Houston Grindstaff, former resident manager of the Historic Sam Houston Schoolhouse site, died Wednesday at the age of 65.
Grindstaff was associated with Blount County's only state historic site for nine years, beginning his tenure as resident manager, director, grounds keeper, interpreter and expert on the life and times of Sam Houston on May 1, 1997.
He retired May 1, 2006, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
Grindstaff brought the Tennessee and Texas legend Sam Houston to life for visitors, dressing as Houston during special events and explaining to visitors what life was like in Blount County during the time Houston taught at the log schoolhouse circa 1812.
In addition, he made numerous improvements to the grounds and added many artifacts to the displays in the museum.
'A fine man'
Enoch Simerly, president of the Sam Houston Memorial Association Board of Directors, said, " Ralph was a fine man, an excellent caretaker. He lived it every day, exactly what we needed at that time.
"When he got sick, he was up front about it and let us know so we could find a replacement for him."
Betty Best, corresponding secretary for the board, said, " Ralph really loved it there and he took such good care of the grounds.
"He was thrilled to be there and worked hard to keep everything in shape."
Grindstaff 's accomplishments at the historic site included India's Garden, a native wildflower and herb garden; compiling a master list of the 50-plus varieties of trees on the grounds and labeling them for visitors; and instituting Pioneer Days, in which re-enactors and other groups demonstrated life as it would have been during Houston's tenure at the schoolhouse.
At the time of a retirement celebration in Grindstaff 's honor in 2006, Bill Cabage, a member of the board, said, " Ralph has been a salesman for the schoolhouse, actually dramatizing what Sam Houston Schoolhouse represents to visitors.
"He's made it part of his identity.
"And he has been a great contributor to the facility itself. When you see the grounds, how nice they are, that's what Ralph has done.
"He's made it a really neat place to be."
Still serving others
Grindstaff 's brother, Bill Grindstaff, said, " Ralph formed friendships easy and quick. He's going to be missed by a lot of people."
Grindstaff donated his body to the University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Department, hoping that information about his disease could be obtained to help others.
"Even in his death, he is serving other people," Bill Grindstaff said.
There will be no funeral services, but a celebration of Grindstaff 's life will be held from 4-6 p.m. today at Piney Grove Baptist Church on Blockhouse Road.
All of his friends and family are welcome to attend.
Since Grindstaff 's favorite color was red, those attending are asked to come dressed in red to celebrate his life.
Grindstaff was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Velma Grindstaff, and brother J.N. Grindstaff.
He is survived by his wife, Marti Grindstaff ; daughters and sons-in-law, Gail and Ed Matesevic, Lorrie and Frank Little, Amy and Ron Thompson, Ruth Ann and West Whaley; grandchildren Justin and Kayla, Kevin and Tiffany, Peyton and Savannah; great-granddaughter Adia; sisters and brothers-in-law Margaret and Homer Potter, Pauline and Gary McCroy, Belinda and Fred Duncan; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Connie Grindstaff.
Grindstaff 's request was that donations be made to the Piney Grove Baptist Church Youth Group or the Outreach Christian Church Youth Group on Highway 129 (Calderwood Highway) in lieu of flowers.
- [S1] U. S. Social Security Death Index.
Issued in Tennessee, residing in Maryville, Blount County, Tennessee
- [S87] Death Certificate.
Name Date of Death / Age County of Death County / State of Residence Marital Status Gender Race File #
GRINDSTAFF RALPH 02-11-2009 / 65 BLOUNT BLOUNT / TN MARRIED M WHITE 07156
- [S58] Marriage Certificate.
Name: Paul Grindstaff
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Event Type: Marriage
Event Date: 19 Sep 1936
Event Place: Blount, Tennessee, United States
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Spouse's Name: Velma Grace Cutshaw
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Reference ID: see next images
GS Film number: 2073672
Digital Folder Number: 004646466
Image Number: 01297
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