Owel W. Grissom

          Graveside Services for Mr. Owel W. Grissom, age 90 of Trussville, will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens with Bro. Kevin Grissom officiating.

          Owel passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Aspire Physical Recovery Center at Cahaba River. “Owel”… I bet you never heard of anyone else with that name. But I bet you also never knew anyone quite like Owel Wallace Grissom. Born into a large, Christian, hard-working farm family, Owel never completed school, but you would be hard-pressed to find a man of greater wisdom. If you needed to know anything about weather, nature, animals, repairs, or just about anything else, he had the answers. His father, Ira, was instrumental in the establishment of Oak Grove Church of God (Itawamba County, Mississippi). Owel and his brothers and sisters were raised in the church and built their lives on the godly principles they learned there. Owel shared many funny stories of growing up in the country, filled with Huck Finn-like escapades involving his family and friends. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors and nature and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. There was hardly anything he was afraid of, and he would tackle just about any challenge. In the 1950s, he moved to Zion, Illinois. There, he met the love of his life. Seeing Barbara Barber working behind the counter in a drugstore, he boldly asked, “When are you and me going out?” It must have worked because they married and went on to have two sons together. They walked through hardships and good times together with faith love and unwavering commitment. Owel and Barb’s marriage of seventy years stands as a beautiful example of what marriage should be. He worked for Clark Candy Company and eventually worked his way up to become a supervisor. Heeding the call to return to the South, Owel moved his family to Birmingham in the late 1960s, where he found work with his brother, Royce. In 1976, they started their own HVAC company, Grissom Brother Service Company. The company became known for its integrity, outstanding service, and the strong relationships they built with their customers. Owel’s favorite pastime, besides working on his award-winning landscaped yards, was spending quality time with family and friends.

          Mention Owel to anyone who knew him, and it will bring a smile to their face along with several funny stories to share. They will also tell you of his sterling character, kind nature, wonderful personality, and strong faith. When Owel made a friend, it was for life. When someone called with a need, he was there. He was a member of several churches throughout his life, but probably his favorite season was at Parkway Christian Fellowship with his best friend, Rev. Bob Smith. He faithfully served the church and lived his life as a genuine Christian example. He had a quiet but deep walk with God that was evident to everyone who knew him. In his later years, the joy of his life was his two granddaughters— Gary’s daughter, Brooke, and Terry and Stephanie’s daughter, Emma Grace. They knew well his unconditional, sacrificial love for them. Nothing brought him greater happiness than being their "Pawpaw." Whether enjoying a fine meal in a castle in London or sitting on the back porch eating homemade ice cream, Owel was always the same humble, genuine man. That consistency was one of the many things that made him so special. During the last few years of his life, Owel faced several health challenges, but he met each one head-on with courage and determination. In the end, he was ready to go home and be with Jesus. He is now experiencing a joy and glory that our earthly minds cannot fully comprehend. We can only imagine the welcome he received as he heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

          He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Barbara; his son, Terry, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie; and his cherished granddaughters, Brooke and Emma Grace, who brought him immense joy and pride.

          Owel was preceded in death by his beloved youngest son, Gary, his parents, Ira and Edna, his brothers and sisters: Lorane Patterson, Maxine Culp, Juanita Martin Baker, Mae Wingard, Royce Grissom, Tom Grissom, and his best friend, Bob Smith.

          Active Pallbearers will be Bill Wingard, Billy Kynard, Doug Grissom, Herb Wingard, Jammy Erwin, Larry Hancock and Scott Smith.

          Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 10:30 A.M. until service time at 12:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.