Darrell Pat Grisham (70), of Louisville, Kentucky, loving father and husband, left this world after his brief battle with cancer on Friday, May 10, 2019 in his home surrounded by family. Born September 26, 1948, in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Curtis Grisham and Janice (Wathen) Grisham. Darrell is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Peggy Ann Grisham, daughters Brandie Grisham and Rebecca Grisham, fur baby Buddy, fur grandbabies Maxwell and Diva, sister Beverly “Sue” Sipes of Greenville, Mississippi, brothers David (Gloria) Grisham and Donnie Grisham, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Janice, sister Shelby Thorp in 2018, and fur baby Bubba in 2011. Darrell was a lover of life, adventurer by heart, stubborn by nature, with an authentic childlike spirit. He did not care for school but did attend Male High School where he would spend much of his time staring out the window, wishing he were outside or having fun with friends.
He was a self-made man taking advantage of opportunities as they presented themselves such as the electrician apprenticeship at Ford Motor Company. With encouragement and support of his wife, Darrell completed the program and became an electrician and worked as one at Ford Motor Company for 30 1/2 years until the day of his retirement in 2003. He was a jack of all trades and taught himself to do most anything.
He built a fireplace in the first home ever purchased with no masonry training. Darrell learned how to garden and landscape and took great pride in creating his backyard oasis. Darrell loved to be outdoors and could often be found working out in the yard or playing basketball with the children in the neighborhood when his children were younger.
His love for volleyball motivated him to create his own posts so that he could play with the neighbors and kids and would often bring his posts and net to family gatherings as well. Darrell was selfless as he would work a 10-hour shift at night at Ford and with no sleep go to Iroquois Park to camp out at the perfect spot to have the Grisham family reunion. Darrell was a devoted father and family man dedicating his time to being the coach of his daughters’ softball teams, yearly family vacations, trips to the circus and zoo, family picnics, and neighborhood get togethers.
Although he did not really care for playing cards, he would host and attend neighborhood games because his beloved wife enjoyed so much. He was an avid runner until his knees gave out but he didn’t let that stop him, he then became an enthusiastic bicyclist. Darrell would often share his love for riding with brother-in-law Bernie Spanbauer, nephew Steven Spanbauer, and nephew Brian Diehlman.
He loved to play tennis with his neighbor Bill Head, wife Peggy, and daughter Brandie. He shared his passion for hiking with anyone who would join with short hikes in Iroquois Park to longer hikes at Jefferson Memorial Forrest. He never lost his love for toys, his toys just got more expensive His younger daughter, Rebecca, often shared his enjoyment for video games and the latest technology.
Those who knew him well, knew he was no saint which was often apparent in his wit and sarcasm. Anyone in attendance at a get together at Barbara and Bobby Meer’s house would not be disappointed in the entertainment provided by Darrell, Bobby, Jackie, Stevie, Kenny, and Beverly as they would sit around and make fun of one another. This family ribbing was in no doubt passed on to the younger generation.
Darrell loved to travel and spend time with friends when he could. Darrell and Peggy would still enjoy vacations and nights out with their previous neighbors, Bill and Mary Ann “Cheech” Head. Although his health did not allow him to enjoy all the things he loved as his ailment took over, the times he did feel better, he was out cutting the grass and spending time with his family.
He will never be forgotten for all the lives that he touched. A special thank you to the people at Hosparus Health Louisville for their loving care and support during his final days. Also, the family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude towards Cremation Society of Kentucky and Joseph E. Ratterman & Son Funeral Home for being so accommodating and understanding during this difficult time and for providing sound guidance and reassurance.
A celebration of life service for Darrell Grisham will be held 5:00 PM, Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Joseph E. Ratterman & Son Funeral Home, 7336 Southside Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40214. Friends may visit with the family prior to service from 1:00 until 5:00 PM the same day at the same location. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Kentucky Humane Society (kyhumane.org for online donation; make a gift via phone 502-515-3143; make gift by mail send check to: Kentucky Humane Society, 1000 Lyndon Lane Suite B, Louisville, KY 40222)or to Hosparus Health (hosparushealth.org).
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