Phil Grisham

Kenneth Phillip Grisham, Phil, 79, went west quietly in the comfort of his home in Crawford on Thursday, July 14, 2011 from the inconvenience, over 30 years, of various health issues.

Phil was born in Smithville, Texas on January 5, 1932 to Tom and Wanda Grisham. He met his wife Anne Scott in Bellmead, Texas and married on August, 6, 1954. Phil was an alumni of the school of Very Hard Knocks where he studied all his life. He was a very successful business man, and wonderful husband, father and friend. Early in life Phil learned to fly under the instruction of Skeet Eason and soloed a J3 Cub in 4 hours. Phil was a member of the United States Air Force for over twenty years although not as a pilot. He did teach others his love for flying as a Certified Flight Instructor and accumulated over 8000 hours of instruction time in his spare time. His legacy lives on with those who love the joy of flying that he introduced them to.

In 1996 Phil was the first and only pilot to ever carry the Olympic Torch in a private aircraft, his favorite 1943 Stearman affectionately known as “Big Red”, from Waco to Bryan-College Station. He was given an Outstanding Contributions to Aviation award from the National Experimental Aircraft Association where he has been a member for many years. He was a member and charter contributor to the National Biplane Association in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Phil also contributed to and supported the nationally recognized EAA Chapter 59 located at the McGregor Airport, McGregor, Texas were he religiously went anytime there was an event. Phil was able to fly over 100 different airplanes during his time as a pilot.

In retirement Phil and his wife Anne enjoyed traveling the country in their various motor homes along with their companion, Copper. Wonderful memories, like getting the motorhome stuck in a field in Wisconsin on the night of their anniversary will last forever.

Phil is survived by his wife Anne, his daughter Kathy and her husband Cliff Thorman, his son Kenny and his wife Judy Grisham, seven grandchildren, Brad Baxley, Jennifer Bates and her husband Craig, Matt Butler, Jeremy Grisham, Devon Grisham, Kali Barksdale and her husband Dawson, and Kasi Thorman along with great grandsons Lane and Logan. He is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and two sisters.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to EAA Chapter 59 Scholarship Fund or the Waco Humane Society.

A celebration of his life will be held on July 17, 2011 at Scott Field, 31TX (their home) at 6pm, aircraft welcome.

Celebration of Life

6PM ,Sunday, July 17, 2011
Grisham Home / Scott Field
Crawford, TX 76638
Notes: Aircraft Welcome!!!