Greg Grissom, of Sante Fe, New Mexico, went to be with The Lord on Sunday, March 30, 2014, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. Funeral services will be 10 AM Saturday, April 5th at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with Senior Adult Minister of First Baptist Woodway Thomas Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6 to 8 PM Friday, April 4th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at https://www.lakeshorefuneralhome.com/obituaries.
Greg was born on September 6, 1957 in Waco, Texas to J.R. and Nell Grissom. Greg attended Waco High School, the Interlochen Arts Academy, the University of Texas and Baylor University. He began his professional career as musical director for the Country Dinner Playhouse in Austin, Texas working with many legendary performers arranging and assisting in productions of America’s greatest Broadway musical hits including: The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Annie Get Your Gun and many more. He gave his operatic debut in Phillip Haggeman’s, The Music Cure for the Santa Fe Concert Association and performed for the Santa Fe Opera’s winter educational program for three years. Greg received national recognition as Santa Fe’s best singing Phantom in “Fodor’s Travel Guide” and “Frommer’s Travel.” He was Producer and Director of musical productions for the company, “Stars Never Fade.” Greg performed in many musical productions in the United States and several in Europe.
He was preceded in death by his father, J. R. “Cotton” Grissom; grandparents, Harold and Jimmie Hall and John and Pearl Grissom; uncle, Harold H. Hall, Jr.; and uncle and aunt, Rip and Lucy Grissom.
Survivors include his mother, Nell Grissom of Waco; brother, Robert Grissom and wife Lisa of Axtell; nieces, Rebecca Grissom and fiancé Brad Garlington of Brownsboro, Renae Patterson and husband Don of Axtell; great nieces, Kari and Kimberly; great nephews, Justin, Tucker, Colton, Braden and Aaron; uncle and aunt, Bob and Amaryllis Joiner of Bryant, AR; several cousins including Bobby Joiner of Bryant, AR, Harold H. Hall, III of Pledger, and Carol Richardson of Corpus Christi; close family friend, Rex Lee of Axtell; very special friends, Linda Krull, Pat Goehe, Beth Kennedy Jones and Pat Briggs from Sante Fe, NM.
Pallbearers are Eugene Atencio, Don Patterson, Dan Luedke, Bobby Joiner, Justin Patterson, Robert Lopez, Sr., Robert Lopez, Jr. and Joe Peterson.
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We are so very sorry for the loss of another family member. Our heart and prayer are with you. We are sorry that we we won’t be able to attend, Jum has dialysis on Saturday. Love and prayers. Jum and Brenda.
Greg was my friend for over 25 years. He was more like a brother than a friend. I am devastated by his passing and know that I was blessed to have a friendship such as ours. Greg had the voice of an angel and a heart as big as Texas. I shared so many wonderful experiences and adventures with Greg and am lost without him now. I wish I could have pulled him back into the light and kept him safely at my side. My love and condolences to his family.
What a joy it has been to know Greg, not only as an entertainer but also as a friend. My husband, Dave, and I had a good visit with him middle of March, and he spoke fondly of his brother in Texas. Although sad that we will not be seeing Greg again, we are happy that he is no longer suffering and that he truly now in a place surrounded with total acceptance and love. Here, he will not be forgotten as his voice remains. To his family, loved ones, colleagues, and students we offer our sympathy.
I’ve known and loved this man for over 15 years. I fell in love with his voice and then his kindness to so many. I have called the Cantina group my adopted family for many years. I know the closeness they have had with Greg. I wish all of them as well as all of Greg’s family my condolences. May we all find peace knowing Greg is now home where he wanted to be.
Good bye, my old friend. May God bless and keep you. You were the finest singer I ever had the privilege of accompanying. I know we brought out the demons and the angels in each other. But ultimately, you helped me to see deep inside myself. And I’m a better man today for it. I will think of you often and fondly. Rest in peace, 3G.
Greg gave me my first job out of college singing in the Cantina. I had some of the very best times of my life working there with him. He still holds the title of the coolest boss I ever had.. He taught me so much about performing and it was always a joy singing with him. He will forever hold a very high place in my heart. May he rest in peace.
Unfortunately, I didn’t know Greg well, but I do know what a profound and positive effect he had on those I love. He will always be with them…and for that…I am deeply grateful.
Robert and family–I’m so sorry for your loss. I haven’t seen Greg since we were teenagers but I have such fond memories of him and the fun we all had at AABC 🙂 I honestly can still hear his amazing voice and his super-contagious laugh in my head. He had talent as big as Texas and he was always our go-to guy to win the talent contest at church camp! (ha) I see from the comments that he has shared the talents God gave to him with countless others, and been an awesome friend to many. May God bless you all with His great peace and a flood of good memories!
My condolences to Greg ‘ s wonderful family, his fun mom and lovely brother Robert and sister in law Lisa. I will always treasure our trips to Waco and the fun times there with the family. I am sorry we will no longer be taking any more road trips for birthday celebrations to new Orleans for joint birthday celebrations with his long time friend and fellow musician Jay Bailey…..my boys Necco and Oreo who loved Greg and all the goodies he made for them…my heart aches for his long time companion Eugene……but now he is singing with the angels
I am really saddened to find out about Greg’s death. We visited him in Santa Fe when our girls were little — saw him at La Casa Sena and then went over to his place. It was a joy to see what a good life he made for himself there and how he was sharing his enormous talent — and to hear him sing again. When our middle daughter, Annie, was at the College of Santa Fe for a semester, we bought her a gift certificate to go to La Casa Sena. She went when our youngest, Becky, was visiting, and Greg made it a wonderful evening for him. I can’t be there Saturday, though I very much wish I could. Reuel and I live in Austin now after many years in California, but we are traveling and are out of state. My heart goes out to all of you in his family. It is a big loss.
My sweet friend, I had no idea you were sick! I’m so sad to know that your sweet smile, kind heart and beautiful voice are not here with us anymore. You were such a gift to so many and your friendship was truly a gift to me. Thank you for giving me a chance to sing. I only knew 2 songs and I completely goofed up every bit of choreography you ever taught me…but you were always so kind and generous in the way you encouraged those around you. In two short weeks my fiance’ Michael and I are going to Santa Fe to be married. I had soooo looked forward to going by the Cantina to see you, give you a big hug and see your wonderful smile. Such a wonderful man you were and the legacy you leave to family and friends will always be treasured. Bye, Greg Grissom! With much love and appreciation to you for everything you were – and always will be!
Robert and family,
I was so sorry to read of your loss. I haven’t seen Greg since we graduated from high school, but I can still remember his wonderful voice and sweet nature. We had some great times at church and we all loved hearing him play and sing. Oh the fun we had in the choir on Sunday nights. He was so very talented and from reading his obituary, he used his talents well. May God’s love and comfort carry you through the days ahead, until you see Greg again.
We are so sad to hear about Greg and will miss seeing him and listening to his gorgeous voice when we visit Santa Fe. It just won’t be the same. Peace and blessings on all of Greg’s family, friends, and loved ones. – The Colorado Pierces
Our sincerest sympathy to all Greg’s family, especially Nell, and to all his friends.
Barry and I befriended Greg in Minneapolis, MN when he helped to launch BRAVO! A similar experience to La Casa Sena. He became a good friend to both of us and we were fortunate enough to connect with Greg in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, NM in the past year.
He will be missed, but his talent will live on in our hearts and memories. He could bring a tear to my eye with his song and a smile to my heart with that “twinkle” in his eyes.
Peace, Greg.
Dear Barry and Mary
We are planning a get together Monday, April 14, 2014 a t CAMP in St. Pau starting at 7:30 PMl for the Bravo Babies. We will be celebrating Greg’s life and singing some songs ….and we would LOVE to have you join us if you are in Minnesota. Please feel free to contact me at 763-242-3096 or osseochalmers@yahoo.com.
Greg Grissom was one of the finest gentelmen i have ever known. His graciousness and generosity have always been something I aspire to. Greg’s kindness and support of others was worthy of much admiration. He was also one of the most tasteful people I’ve ever known: victor to Martha Stewart, anyday. There is little need to say more about his singing and the joy he brought to many, many people for so many years. Mostly, he was one of the best friends i have ever had. Thank God Greg’s laugh will always ring in my heart 🙁 So grateful to have shared part of this life together, and I will miss him so very much.
Robert & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
So very sorry to hear about Greg. I remember him from Waco High as being such a sweet and kind person. He always had such a beautiful smile on his face. Music was his life even then. Im so glad that he was able to live his dream.
Rest well, my dear friend..
Thoughts and prayers. You will be missed my friend.
My sweet and wonderful friend. Words are not enough. I love you , am so grateful for our friendship and know that you are now at peace with the angels. That makes me smile. Since 1993, I have listened to your voice, sung many a song, laughed and cried with you. Your beautiful voice will always be with me and I will always remember your kind and gentle way. The boys are so sad, especially Noah. You were very special to him. For your family and Eugene, I send my deepest sympathies.
We were so fortunate to have known Greg. We met him 20 years ago at La Cantina in Santa Fe. How fortunate we were that he shared his beautiful talent with all at the Cantina. He was such a kind gentle man. My heart and prayers are with those family and friends he left behind. He brought such joy to all. “Goodnight Sweet prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Patti
My healing thoughts and energy go out to everyone who will miss our gorgeous friend, Greg. What as astounding and wonderful man he was !! Truth is I always had a crush on him and he knew it. We would laugh about it. And I always felt like he was family, even in our long distance talks when I would call him from Australia.
He is forever in my heart and wherever he is, I send him absolute and unconditional love and care.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Grissom family with this loss. And especially to Robert for the loss of his brother. May the Lord give you all peace and comfort.
May you rest in peace.
Sybil
Greg and Robert were the next-door brothers of my childhood. I am grieved by his passing and remember him and Robert with fondness.
I am so sorry to hear about Greg’s passing… What a generous, warm, soul. Greg gave me one my first jobs. I was horrible waitress who happened to sing, and he would cover all of my mistakes and always keep me company at the host stand. The Backstage @ Bravo family gave me some of my fondest memories, and Greg was there for all of them! Afterwards, even when he moved to Santa Fe, I still was able to see him numerous time… always one for surprises, after a concert that he arranged, he “surprised” me with flying out one of our closest mutual friends. He was such a generous soul and never asked for anything in return. He will truly be missed. Also, Eugene, I love you, and hope that you’re holding up ok. Feel free to email me anytime: morgenelle@yahoo.com.
My prayers of healing go out to the Grissom family and to all those friends who were fortunate enough to share in Greg’s life. I was one of Greg’s singing servers at Backstage @ Bravo in Minnesota. I was actually the first person that auditioned for him and I worked there for 5 years, sharing the stage with Greg. I will fondly remember that big voice that he used with such passion. I know heaven’s choir just got a lot better.
Dorian and all the Backstage @ Bravo Alum,
Sorry we did not get back to you sooner and only hope you had a wonderful evening on the 14th. Barry and I are currently residing in Tuscon and would not have been able to be with all of you in MN.
You must know that we have left a part of our hearts there in the Twin Cities, both physically as our daughter and her family reside there, and spiritually, as we spent so many great years in that community. Do give our best to all the Bravo babies that are part of your life. Greg was a wonderful man and Barry and I had kept in touch with him throughout the years. He will be missed by so many.
Love
Mary and Barry
Dear Nell and family,
My sympathies.
Greg you are missed.
Michael
Greg was like a Father and Mentor to me. One of the great loves of my life. What can I say? Knowing Greg changed me personally and professionally. We loved singing together. He will always be my favorite Phantom.
I would have given anything to have the chance to say goodbye in person, Greg. I didn’t even know you were sick. I will hold you in my heart and in my voice for the rest of my life. That is a promise.
Good night, Sweet Prince. May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.
Angela Walberg
Nell and family, please know you are in my prayers as you face the loss of your Greg.
Blessings,
Clydell May
I can’t believe that Greg is gone. Greg was the BEST BOSS I ever had. He’d call me sweetie, and he would sing Old Man River for me when I would ask him too even though that wasn’t his favorite song to sing. Greg was my boss at Bravo. He was more than a boss, he was one of the Best Friends I could ever have had. Greg and I would laugh so hard we would cry. Greg I only wished you would of told me how sick you were. You were always there for me, I would of been there for you. I can’t ever thank you for your kindness, your love and friendship and treating me like family. I will never forget you and all the wonderful memories you gave me. My heart is so very sad for we lost one of the best. I know that you are singing in heaven. I know your Daddy as you called him, and your Granddaddy met you and you are smiling down on us all. I can’t find the words to Thank You enough for giving me the best job I ever or will ever have, and that was the years we spent working together at Bravo. God Bless you my dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to your mom and brother and all your family. God’s Speed Greg. Until we meet again Greg, Love and Peace always, Leeann Hoffstrom
We are so very sorry for your loss. Greg was our neighbor in Santa Fe, and we could have not been luckier to know him. He was a wonderful and generous person and we will miss him so very much.
We both will miss Greg very much. We have also been patrons of the Cantina family for many years and have all their CD’s!
Greg was always friendly, gracious and entertaining.
He will be missed so much because he gave so much.
I’m so sorry. I didn’t know Greg was ill. I went to Interlochen with him, and have never forgotten his gorgeous voice and sweet personality.
The last time I saw him, he drove me around Waco (like a bat out of hell) in his Volkswagen, I think it was. He was singing along to the radio.
Funny and full of life…