Kenneth Clerence Grigg, 1940-2008

"Bad Dog Papaw" waving goodbye.

ALCOA, Tenn. – Kenneth Clerence Grigg, age 68, of Alcoa, Tenn., went home to be with his Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, early Tues. morning, Oct. 21, 2008.

Ken, also known as “Bad Dog Papaw,” was born June 9, 1940 in Knox County to the late Paul and Louise (Watkins) Grigg.  He attended Fulton High School before joining the United States Navy and serving with Patrol Squadron One at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.  Before his retirement, Ken owned Creative Plastering and worked throughout the Southeast on numerous construction projects.  His late brother, Bo, jokingly referred to him as the “World’s Great Surfologist.”  Ken was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying both football and baseball; but most importantly, he was a member of and attended High Praises Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Paul and Martha Louise (Watkins) Grigg; sister, Dorothy Jean “Dot” Denton and her husband, John; brothers, Ernest Edward ‘Bo’ Grigg, Bobby Lowell ‘Bob’ Grigg, Herbert Eugene ‘Gene’ Grigg, and two infant brothers.

Ken is survived by his wife, Carolyn Taylor Grigg; children, Cevin Brown and wife, Susan; Courtney Fitzsimmons and husband, Tim; Cydney Waltermyer and husband, Rick; Chesney Thomas and husband, David; and Capt. Craig Taylor Brown, United States Army (Ret.); grandchildren, Danielle Walker and husband, David; Chelsea Harris and husband, Johnathan; Samuel Waltermyer; and Jordan and Dakota Fitzsimmons; great-grandchildren, Austin and Chesney Harris; and David Paul and Alexis Walker; sister, Mary Lewis and husband John; nieces and nephews, Diana Selvage, and husband, Bo; Petie Denton and wife, Mae; Mary Lou Green and husband, Ronnie; Patty Loveless and husband, John; Jeff Grigg and wife, Lisa; Jay Wall and wife, Jill; Bobby Grigg; and Christie Humphrey and husband, Johnny; sister’s-in-law, Wanda Grigg, Pat Grigg, and Wilma Grigg; and numerous great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family received friends on Thurs., Oct. 23, 2008 from 5-7 p.m. at High Praises Church, 1601 East Broadway, Maryville.  Funeral followed at 7 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary, with Pastor Jackie Midkiff and Rev. Glen ‘Bo’ Selvage officiating.  Interment was Friday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m. in Grandview Cemetery, Maryville, where Pastor Jackie transferred Ken’s Church membership from High Praises Church to Eternal Glory.  Military funeral honors were conducted by the Tennessee Army National Guard.  The family requested no flowers, and suggests contributing to the Knoxville Area Rescue Mission in memory of Ken.

Gale Waters of Memorial Funeral Home, Maryville in charge of arrangements.