Roy Lee Grissom Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, in Prague, Oklahoma. He was 95 years old.
Born at home on April 17, 1929, in theEcontuchka river bottom, Roy was the son of Roy Grissom Sr. and Lehella Butler Grissom. He grew up on the family farm alongside his brothers, Les and Sam, and attended PrairieValley High School, where he even drove the school bus during his senior year.
Following high school, Roy pursued higher education at Oklahoma Baptist University. A brief interruption led him to serve his country in the Korean conflict for the United States Army for four years. He then returned to OBU, where he excelled both academically and athletically, playing baseball and basketball while earning his degree in education.
When he came back from the army, Roy met the love of his life, Bettye, whom he affectionately called “Betsy.” They were married the next year and shared a lifetime of love and devotion.
Roy’s career in education began at Mounds Public Schools, where he served as a teacher, principal, and coach. He later moved to Stroud, where he continued to coach basketball, baseball, and football, leading his basketball team to a state championship victory in 1962. In 1970, the family moved to Glencoe, where Roy served as superintendent and coach for six years. Years later, Glencoe Public Schools officially namedtheirgym,“TheRoy Grissom Gymnasium.” His final chapter in education was at Prague Public Schools,whereheservedas superintendent for 12 years. Even after retiring from that role, his dedication to the school continued as he worked in the bus barn for another 25 years.
Roy’s passions extended beyond the classroom and the field. He found joy in fishing, often embarking on memorable trips with Bettye, friends, and his grandchildren. He was also an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast.
In 2003, Roy’s contributions to Oklahoma athletics were recognized with his induction into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame.
Above all, Roy cherished his family. His children, Sheri Ripley and husband Robert and Terry Grissom and Cindy Bidack… his grandchildren, Dustin Ripley and wife Maggie, Ashley Parks and husband Steven, Dillon Ripley and wifeAllison,MicahThorpe and husbandTanner, Christian, Cayle, and Kirby Grissom…and his greatgrandchildren, Kennedy Coker, Case and Linkin Parks, Lex and Brooke Ripley, and Harley, Cable, and Cash Ripley, were his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved sharing stories about his experiences in teaching, coaching, the military, and, most importantly, his beloved grandchildren.
Roy’s unwavering faith was the cornerstone of his life. He wanted everyone to know that trusting in Jesus is the only way to heaven. He lived his life to honor the Lord and lead others to Him. Roy served as a deacon for over 60 years, and he and Bettye were dedicated members of the First Baptist Church, as well as the various churches they attended through the years.
A service to celebrate Roy’s life will be held February 26, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Prague, OK at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held February 25, 2025, at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Prague, OK from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial service will be held February 26, 2025, at Rest Haven Cemetery in Shawnee, OK at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the scholarship fund set up in his name at BancFirst.
Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague. An online guestbook is available at www.parksbrothers. net.