Larry Grigsby of Newport (Weldon), Arkansas, departed this life on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the age of 68. He was born April 11, 1954, in Newport, the second child of Rexford Felix Grigsby, Sr., and Edith Alice (Beard) Grigsby.
He was a 1972 honor graduate of Newport High School and was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Following high school, Larry enlisted in the United States Navy. He served 4 years as an electronics mechanic, working primarily on communication and radar systems for aircraft.
After returning home, he began working at Brown Jordan. He remained there for over 25 years. When Brown Jordan was closing, Larry decided to pursue nursing. He earned his Licensed Practical Nursing Degree at ASU-Newport. Larry’s nursing career spanned over 20 years where he worked at St. Michael’s Place, Grimes-McPherson Prison, and Unity Harris Health Medical Center.
He was an active member of the Weldon Community, serving as a volunteer fireman for the Weldon Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years and as a Weldon City Councilman.
He was an avid reader and a great fan of science-fiction movies. He had the ability to build or fix anything mechanical. Larry considered himself a jack of all trades and a master of all. He had an eidetic memory and could be relied upon to answer any question about almost any subject. Larry also enjoyed riding motorcycles. He and his brother, Rex, formed the Road Stars Motorcycle Club.
Larry’s greatest love was his family, and his greatest joy came from spending time with them, especially his four grandchildren. They were his pride and joy.
He will forever be remembered for his willingness to help anyone in need and as a wonderful son, brother, and uncle, and especially remembered as an amazing “Pop Pop” and father.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Rexford F. “Shorty” Grigsby, Jr.; and his parents.
He is survived by his children, Kristina Leah Grigsby of Weldon, Larry Daniel Grigsby of Jonesboro, and Andrea Michelle Adams and husband, Joshua of Ward; four grandchildren, Kaylee Grigsby, Zoey Grigsby, Zachary Adams, and Zander Adams; two sisters, Kathy Green and husband, Dr. Roger Green of Newport, and Lou Mitchel and husband, Wes of Graford, Texas; many cousins, nieces, and nephews, whom he loved dearly; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at the funeral home, Friday, June 17, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services are at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel, with his niece, Ms. Elizabeth Green, speaking. Interment will be in Sandhill Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are D.J. Smith, Eric Ellis, Mark Alan Ellis, Jared Grigsby, Weston “Trey” Mitchel, III, and James Eli Ellis. Honorary pallbearers are Alan Grigsby, Landon Herman, Josh Adams, Dr. Paul Silveri, Neil Nelson, Wes Mitchel, Taylor Herman, Jonathan Smith, and Dr. Roger L. Green.
