Dr. Lance D. Grissett, 74, of Talladega, Alabama, passed away on July 24, 2010, at his residence. 

Born April 26, 1936, he was a native of Troy, Alabama, and lived his married life in both Montgomery and Talladega, Alabama. He was a man of faith who loved his family, his church, his community, and the Alabama Crimson Tide.  Dr. Grissett was a retired school administrator with over 43 years in the field of education.  He served for 20 years as Superintendent of the Talladega County Board of Education.

Dr. Grissett began his career in the Montgomery County Schools as a teacher and assistant principal of Sidney Lanier High School, then moved to the Montgomery County Board of Education Office as Assistant Superintendent. He also served as principal of Sheffield High School before returning to his central office position in the Montgomery County Schools.

Post-retirement work involved contracting with the State Board of Education as a consultant and interim superintendent in both the Barbour County and Roanoke school systems. For the past three years, he has served on the Talladega City Council as Councilman Pro Tempore. In addition, Dr. Grissett has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Talladega for 34 years as a Deacon (chairman), Sunday School teacher, and in various committee member/chair roles. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Naval Reserve.

Dr. Grissett is preceded in death by mother, Agnes Sasser Grissett, father, George Solomon Grissett, beloved daughter, Angi Elizabeth Grissett, Mother and Father-in-law, Grady and Ruth Lunsford, sisters-in-law, Marianne Grissett, Brenda Harrelson, and Margaret Jo Kendrick.

His survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Lunsford Grissett of Talladega, Alabama; his sons, Dr. Rodger Lance Grissett (Gallic), Fairhope, Alabama; Patrick Scott Grissett, Sylacauga, Alabama; and daughter, Cece Grissett Conrath (Wallace), Buford, Georgia.

He is also survived by his 'adored' grandchildren, Kacie Joy Grissett, Julie Anne Grissett, and Wallace Quinn Conrath; one brother, Paul Grissett, Niece, Leanne Grissett Drivas, and several nieces and nephews (in-laws) all of Troy, Alabama.

Active Pallbearers: Scott Grissett, Ty Kendrick, Moody Scroggins, Jerry Cooper, Bill Germany, Senator James E. Preuitt; Terry Manner; John Stamps.

Honorary pallbearers: Mayor Jimmy C. Lunsford, Foy E. Lunsford, W. Jerry Kendrick, Jim D. Lunsford, Hugh M. Faulkner, Jim Blake, Jack Hethcox, Wren Munroe, Bryan Townsend, Ralph D. Gaines, Charles Montgomery, Hugo Molliston, Dr. George Ricker, Dr. Clay Davis, Julian Newman, Pearino Gaither, Lee Messer, Dr. Carl Ponder, Rudolph & Danny Dennis; Talladega First Baptist Church "Couples for Christ" Sunday School Class, Talladega County Board of Education Staff (1976 - 1996), Carpenters for Christ Organization, Men's Morning Coffee Group, Talladega City Council/City Staff, Talladega Airport Board Authority, Dr. Allen Yielding and Staff, Dr. Noel Scidmore and Staff, Dr. David Roberts, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center & Staff (Houston, TX), and Affinity Home Hospice Services and their wonderful, caring staff and caregivers.

Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Sunday, July 25, 2010, at Usrey Funeral Home, (Talladega, AL). Funeral services for Dr. Grissett will be Monday, July 26th at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Talladega with Pastors Dr. Curtis Kelley of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Dr. Horace Patterson of Talladega presiding.

Prior to burial, an additional visitation will be held at Dillard Funeral Home, (Troy, AL) from 5:00-6:00 PM with graveside rites to follow at Greenhill Cemetery (Troy, AL).

Memorials may be made to:

The Angi Elizabeth Grissett Scholarship Fund
c/o First Baptist Church of Talladega

The American Cancer Society