W.L. "Don" Grist

William LaDon (Don) Grist, 83, of Oxford, Mississippi passed away on February 23, 2022. He passed peacefully with family and friends surrounding him at his son's home in Alexander, Arkansas. Don was born on April 8, 1938, in Sarepta, Mississippi. He was the son of the late William V. Grist and the late Clara Logan Grist.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Billy Grist, two sisters, Faye Grist Drewry and Martha Sue Grist Murphree, and his loving wife Marilyn Blakeslee Grist.

He is survived by his son William Monte Grist (Cherie) of Arkansas and Tony Grist of Plano, Texas. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Monica Allison of Texas, Liana Grist of Arkansas, and Liam Grist of Texas.

Don Grist graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor degree in Chemistry and worked for Goodyear where he developed rubber seals for the NASA space shuttle program. In 1973, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from Mississippi College; thus beginning his illustrious career as a public servant. While working as an attorney in Vardaman, Don entered the political arena in 1975 where he served 15 years as a Mississippi House Representative for District 23. In 1990, he was elected to serve as Chancellor for the 18th Chancery Court and sat on the bench for two terms before retiring.

Funeral services will be held on February 28, 2022, at Parker Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 11:00 to 1:00 followed immediately by a graveside service at Bruce Cemetery with Bro. Corey Clark officiating.

The staff of Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Grist family as they begin this new season of life. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved one.