Richard Biron Grisham was born April 11, 1953 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Mo. He was the youngest child of Paul and Katie Grisham.
RB grew up on “the hill” in Cabool, Mo., where he made many lifelong friends. While in high school, he was active in band, chorus and numerous plays. RB attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he was a member of the University Singers. He graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and, throughout his entire life, he was an avid Mizzou Tiger and Kansas City Chiefs football fan.
After graduation, RB moved back to Cabool and went into business with his father. During the 1980’s, he dedicated his time and efforts to his hometown and county as a Missouri state representative. After his time in state office, RB became a president and CEO of an automobile association in Arlington, Texas during the 1990s, where he lived until his death.
Falling terminally ill in the early 2000s, he was given a second chance of life in mid-2005 via a miraculous heart transplant. He spent his retirement years working part-time at AutoZone enjoying working on cars, talking with customers and building relationships with his fellow employees. RB enjoyed his family, friends, Fielder Church bible study life group, German Shepherds and reminiscing about the “good old days.”
After 19 years with his heart transplant, he went to be with the Lord. He will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn and John Paul Grisham; and his sister, Paula Grisham Walls.
RB is survived by his daughters, and sons-in-law, Reagan and Alexander Zarras, Madison and Blake Koke; grandchildren Sadie Ruth Koke and Panteli Levi Zarras; a sister, Samantha Grisham Day; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Cabool Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Scottish Rite for Children.
PAID