He attended New Braunfels High School before entering the United States Army in 1959. John married Dorothy Real Grist on May 26, 1962. He graduated from Texas A & M in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree. John went on to teach for the New Braunfels Independent School District. Later, he became the manager of the Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta, Texas and then in Dumas, Texas. John then left to become a part of Moore County Development. He moved to Lubbock, Texas in 1990 and was employed at the Lubbock Board of City Development. Prior to retirement, he was employed with the Texas Workforce Commission.
John was a member of Westmont Christian Church in Lubbock, Texas. He was a very generous and kind man as he was very active in charitable causes and contributions. He loved traveling, good food and especially needling people. He never met a stranger, and he always made it a point to introduce himself to fellow Aggies he met along the way.
John was preceded in death by his parents; Dr. E.A. and Betty Grist, and a brother; Charles Michael Grist of New Braunfels.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy of the home, two sons; John Walter Grist and wife Alesia of Amarillo, Texas, David Alfred Grist and wife Donna of Lubbock, Texas, a granddaughter; Victoria Michele Grist, four grandsons; John Collin Grist, Kelby Aaron Grist, Ethan Sean Robles and wife, Candice, Austin Gage Robles, three great-grandchildren, a sister, Eddye Beth Struck of Blanco, Texas and a brother, Joseph Carl Grist and wife Susan of New Braunfels, Texas.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 2-4 pm at 6401 Avenue W in Lubbock, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Dorothy Grist. Online condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.
