Ray O'Dell Grindstaff

Ray O'dell Grindstaff, age 92, of Murphy, NC, passed away peacefully at Valley View Care & Rehabilitation on September 10, 2020, during the effects of COVID-19. A native of Graham County he was born December 29, 1927, to the late Monroe and Lula (Rich) Grindstaff. Growing up he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He served in the US Army at the end of WWII as a medic on an Army Ship. Later he trained in carpentry and became a licensed plumber. He worked many years for Wells & West. He loved to build, read. garden, watch westerns and detective shows. He was always learning new things. He enjoyed a wide variety of music including classical and opera. During his life, he enjoyed reading and studying the Bible and sharing the Bible message of God's Kingdom to bring everlasting peace and security to all mankind as well as end all sickness and death. He was a member of the Murphy Congregation of Jehovah's Witness. He is preceded in death by a wonderful, loving wife Jessie Mae Phillips Grindstaff who passed away on October 15, 2003. Also several brothers and sisters, Boyd, Lester, Hazel, Grace, and Bessie.

Surviving are four daughters Donna (Jim) Long of Hayesville, NC, Doris Raper of Murphy, NC, Cathy (Steve) DeVal of Swannanoa, NC, and Debbie (Jerry) Hughes of Murphy.NC. Grandchildren Scott Long of Hayesville, NC, James and Jason Raper of Murphy, NC, Jennifer Raper Pullium of Murphy, NC Jessica Raper Lunsford, Erica DeVal Schultz of Swannanoa, NC, Melody DeVal Dolabs of Swannanoa, NC, David Brent Hughes of Atlanta, Ga and Christoper Hughes of Murphy, NC. Several great-great-grandchildren.

A private zoom memorial service will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people do something positive to help others.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy. You may send your condolences to the family and sign the register book at www.cochranfuenralhomes.com