Well known United Methodist minister in the the North Georgia Conference. The life of Rev. T. P. Grissom has been characterized by defied odds, dedication, and undying compassion. A living legend whose perserverence and passion became an inspiration to many. From trials and tribulations of post slavery to the turn of the century challenges, making significant differences in the community well into his late 90's. He was one of eight children born into Georgia to former slaves. He was 21 years old when he entered the fifth grade in Kenwood, Georgia. Undaunted by his late start or the economic and social obstacles near the turn of the century, he pursued his goals relentlessly. This pursuit led to him graduating from Clark University and Gammon Theological Seminary. Grissom became a Methodist minister in 1930. As a minister, Rev. Grissom was dedicated to serving people. From 1930 to his retirement he served as pastor of Heck Chapel, Griffin, Georgia; Laster Chapel, College Park, Georgia; Henry M. White (formerly South Atlanta), Atlanta, Georgia; Mallalieu (now East Point Mallalieu) East Point, Georgia; Ariel Bowen, Atlanta, Georgia; and St. Mark, Fairburn, Georgia. Rev. Grissom also served as Superintendent of the Rome District of the Georgia Conference and was a teacher and principal in Gainesville, Georgia. In 1950, Rev. Grissom could be heard over former radio station WERD, Atlanta's first black-owned radio station, as one of Atlanta's original radio ministers. A stroke suffered in 1969 paralyzed Rev. Grissom's left side. In addition to his paralysis, he wore a pacemaker and a hearing aid. Even so, one of Rev. Grissom's dreams was to make his best showing after the age of 80 when most people only daydream or reminisce. True to form, he founded Grissom Funeral Home (now Grissom-Clark Funeral Home) at the age of 81 in 1974. His ministry of pastoral care for the bereaved and suffering was extended through his role as Mortuary Minister. He remained active, inspirational and continued to defy the odds until his death at the age of 106. Rev. Grissom was married to Cornell Grissom and had two sons, one who became a minister. Some of the many awards Rev. Grissom received were awards from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Men of Central United Methodist Church, Men of Clark and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. A trip to the Holy Land where Rev. Grissom was baptized and received communion in the upper room became one of the highlights of this man of God's life.