Johnny Ray Grindstaff

To join the livestream of John's funeral service, please select the link below. The livestream broadcast will begin at 1:55 P.M. Saturday, May 11, 2024. The ceremony will be archived and will be available for viewing for 90 days following the funeral service. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxNTIwOTI4OTMwODI3MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Johnny Ray Grindstaff, age 77 years, a resident of rural Grantsburg, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 2:44 P.M. at his home. At the time of his passing, John was surrounded by members of his loving family. John was born June 8, 1946 in Maryville, Tennessee. He was the son of Ed Grindstaff and Esther (Patty) Grindstaff. From John’s first marriage, two children were born. On September 21, 1984, John was united in marriage to Juanita Kay Dawson at Zion Baptist Church in Aurora, Illinois. Together, John and Juanita shared almost 40 years of marriage. From this union, John also gained two daughters. In addition to his beloved wife, John is survived by: his son – Sammy (Shay) Grindstaff of Friendsville, Tennessee; a daughter – Tammy (J.D.) Mathis of Grantsburg, Illinois; a daughter – Chrissy (Matt) Hayden of Vienna; 5 grandchildren – Dakota Mathis, Jessie Mathis, Kylie Branscum, Kensey Branscum, and Riley Grindstaff; 2 brothers – Darryl Grindstaff and Wayne Grindstaff; 4 sisters – Deena Wilhoit, Edna Sype, Darlene Curtis, and Betty Stone; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and a sister – Dora Long. John was employed for 30 years by Caterpillar, Inc. He worked as a machine operator and transport driver prior to his retirement in 1996. During his retirement, John enjoyed farming, raising cattle, working outside, and tinkering with small engines. He took particular joy in spending time with his grandkids. Together, they enjoyed playing checkers and riding 4-wheelers. John cherished being a ‘Papaw’ and spoiled his grandchildren every chance he got. John looked forward to his daily trips to the Vienna Diner, where he drank coffee, told tall tales, and visited with friends. A service honoring the life of Johnny Ray Grindstaff will be conducted Saturday afternoon, May 11, 2024, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Brother Justin Wolfe will officiate. Burial will be in the Kerley Cemetery in the Flatwoods community in Johnson County Illinois. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 11 A.M. until the service time at 2 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

Johnny Ray Grindstaff

June 8, 1946 - May 7, 2024