- Date Of Birth: November 27, 1943
- Date Of Death: January 28, 2022
- State: Florida
Richard “Rick” Edward Grissom, 78, also known as “Papa”, “Pepaw”, “Rick-o’shay”, “Gator”, “Pops” or “Ricky” passed away in Kissimmee, Florida on Friday, January 28, 2022. Rick was born on November 27, 1943, to his parents Alice Fletcher Grissom, and B.G. Grissom, in Kissimmee, and was a lifelong resident of Osceola county. He graduated from Osceola High School and continued on at the University of Florida, before enlisting in the Navy in 1963, completing submarine school, and serving on the submarine Jallao.
After leaving the Navy, Rick joined his father, BG Grissom, in their family’s citrus grove business, and also began a career in the real estate appraisal industry, where he became an expert witness in the state of Florida courts.
He began flying in 1968 and discovered his passion for airshows and flight. He was one of the first members of ICAS (International Council of AirShows) and president of ICAS from 1980-1984.
Rick loved being surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Suzanne, his three children, Clay (Kathy) Grissom, Clint Grissom, Kelley (John) Ranaudo, and his six grandchildren, Brody Grissom, Luke Ranaudo, Landon Grissom, Katie Grissom, Norah Ranaudo, and Kylie Grissom. He is also survived by his sister Linda Grissom.
