Rufus Grisham

Rufus William Grisham was born on September 6, 1920 and died on July 15, 2012, a faithful Christian servant, devoted family man, war hero and generous and involved civic leader. He offered humor, humility, authenticity and compassion to those whose lives he touched; and they felt blessed by a relationship with him.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Nancy Blankenship Grisham, his sister, Lillian Nichols, and his parents, Rufus W. and Lillian D. Grisham. This Godly father and grandfather, “Grandy”, has left a legacy in the life of his three sons: William Ray Grisham; John Robert Grisham and wife, Debbie; and Thomas James Grisham and wife, Julie; and to his eight grandchildren: Kelli Grisham Goldston and husband Jeff; Ben, Matthew, Nicole and John Grisham; and Tyler, Caroline and Anna Grisham.

Rufus was born in Hillsboro, Texas and graduated from Abilene High School. He attended Hardin-Simmons University and Texas Tech University until he was called to service in the United States Army Air Corps. On November 24, 1945, he married the love of his life, Nancy Jeanne Blankenship. Rufus served as a B-17 pilot in the 303rd Bomb Group, stationed in Molesworth, England, and flew 35 missions over Germany during World War II. Most of these missions over Germany were flown in a B-17G named Princess Pat II. Through his distinguished and heroic service, he was awarded the Air Medal 5 Oak Leaf Clusters Award, 3 Bronze Stars in the EAME Campaign, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Distinguished Service Award. Returning from service, Rufus was employed by Anderson Clayton and Company for 44 years, retiring as the President of the Texas Oilseed Processing Division. He had been the corporate manager in Elk City, Oklahoma; Memphis, Texas; Osceola, Arkansas; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and finally returning to Lubbock, Texas where his life of service continued.

He gave his time, talents and resources to many civic, social and religious groups to help those in need. Among his offerings, he was the Charter President of the Southwest Lubbock Rotary Club, Chairman of the Board of Methodist Hospital, Chairman of the Board of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, President of the Texas Cottonseed Crushers Association, board member of the National Cottonseed Products Association, Administrative Board of the First United Methodist Church of Lubbock, South Plains Food Bank, First National Bank of Vicksburg Mississippi, First Federal Savings Bank of Lubbock, and President of the YMCA of Lubbock, Texas. The Southwest Lubbock Rotary Club, for his outstanding service to the community, awarded Rufus the Roy Bass Memorial Award. The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce honored him with the Business Person Hall of Fame. He was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where he was a Life Board Member, and member of the Rafters Sunday School Class, who will miss and treasure his faith, devotion, wit and wisdom. Rufus was a member of the Lake Ridge Country Club and Lubbock Country Club, where he was an enthusiastic and talented tennis player, golfer and friend.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Lubbock on Friday, July 20th, at 11:00 am, after which family will receive friends at the church’s parlor. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: South Plains Food

Bank, 4612 Locust Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79404.

Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com