Hershel Grist

KHershel J. Grist Jr., ., 92, of Dillard, Georgia., died Tuesday November 15, 2016 at his home after a long bout with cancer. He was the widower of Runelle Dixon Grist.

Hershel Jr., was born in Rabun County November 3, 1924 to Hershel Sr., and Belle Bleckley Grist and had lived in Rabun County most of his life. He attended Piedmont College in 1941 and entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and served in the battles and campaigns of Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, Central Europe. He was in the 101(ST), Airborne Division. He received the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster. He received his discharge in 1945 and went to the University of Georgia and earned an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering. He went to work as a Civil Engineer for U.S. Soil and water Conservation. until retirement. He was a member of the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church and a former member of the Lions Club in Dallas, GA., and in ElliJay GA., and was a Mason in the Dallas, GA., Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and a brother, Douglas survived by a daughter, Mary Sandra (Sandy) Trueblood, of Middleburg, FL., one brother, William Hoyt Grist, of Dillard, GA., two grandsons, Robert Trueblood and Christopher J. Trueblood both of Middleburg, FL. Four great grandchildren, Logan, Gabrielle, Robert, and Blake. Several cousins also survive.

Funeral Services will be in the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church Saturday November, 19, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. conducted by Rev. Dr. Sam Letson and Rev. Gabe Southards. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

The Body is at Hunter Funeral Home where visitation will be Friday evening November 18, 2016 from 5 to7 P., M. The body will be placed in the Church at 1:00 P.M. Saturday to lie in state. The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made, in his memory, to the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church, 895 Franklin Street, Dillard, GA. 30537.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com