Hugh Clark Grindstaff

Hugh Clark Grindstaff, age 71 of Rocky Mount, VA passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026 surrounded by those who loved him. He was the son of the late Paul and Doris Grindstaff of the Snow Creek community. Hugh was a devoted Christian and member of Bethlehem Church of the Brethren. He also attended Mount Carmel Baptist Church in his earlier years. Hugh is survived by his faithful wife of 27 years, Sharon; his son, Adam P. Grindstaff and his daughter, Kelli G. Hopkins. His two children were his pride and joy, and he loved them more than any words could say. Also important and loved were Adam’s wife, Kate, and his granddaughters, Isabelle and Scarlet. Hugh also loved and appreciated Kelli’s husband, WL, and his grandchildren, Isaac, Elijah, Cassidi, Asher, and Kently. Hugh is also survived by his sister, Geraldine Ferguson, and sister-in-law Delphie Grindstaff. His brother, Darryl Grindstaff and sister, Gayle Shockley, and brother-in-law, Howard Ferguson are meeting him now in Heaven. Hugh loved the Grindstaff get-togethers and his nieces and nephews were always there with a hug to share. Lesley and Allan Cornett, Lana Surratt, Susan and David Bernard, Eric and Sue Ferguson, Rhonda and Ricky Jones, Monte and Debbie Ferguson, Ken Grindstaff, Keith Grindstaff, and Dana and Brian Constable. Great nieces and nephews: Ryan and Kelly Cornett, Jon and Patrick Cornett-McKee, Jessica Surratt, Nora Ferguson, Morgan and Josh Ford, Kaleb Grindstaff, Skylar Grindstaff, Coleman Grindstaff, Benjamin Grindstaff, Christian Constable, Owen Constable, and Violet Constable. There are even a great-great nephew and niece: Marcus and Kate Ford. Also special family in Hugh’s life were Sharon’s dad, Bobby Guilliams and friend Judy Byrd, and Sharon’s brother’s family from Raleigh: Bryan and Jeanne Guilliams and special nieces Madison and Bryanna. Hugh did no wrong in Sharon’s mom’s eyes – Jean Guilliams, and we are confident that she was showing him all around when he first arrived in Heaven. Other than family, Hugh had many friends from the Snow Creek community, ones he played ball with, past working colleagues, members he served with while in the Snow Creek Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and his Bethlehem Church congregation. Sharon’s friends felt Hugh was one of a kind as well. Hugh was a very hard worker. He was an owner of Grindstaff Underground Utilities until 2017 having taken over leadership of the business when his father passed away. He took pride in his work and company reputation. Sharon had to heavily encourage him to take time off so they could take vacations. After selling his company, Hugh had more time to enjoy visiting the grandchildren, mowing his yard, and finally get some rest from his hectic working schedule. Experiencing chronic pain and having back surgeries, Hugh was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in November 2019. Despite this, he continued to walk, stretch, and participate in activities that would prove to be more challenging as the disease progressed. Hugh and Sharon continued their annual trips to Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, and Banner Elk for as long as Hugh was able to travel. Fortunately, they were able to take their third Western Trip for 3 weeks while he was dealing with Parkinson’s. The next few years he began to struggle with falls, confusion, infections and other complications from the dreaded disease. There were frequent doctor trips, ER visits, and calls to the family when Sharon needed assistance with transport. After experiencing complications, on May 31st God knew his body was tired and called him home. We only wanted what was best for him as we let him go. Hugh now has no more chronic pain, confusion, or Parkinson’s. Hugh loved his sports! Especially the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and UNC Tarheels. He shared many tailgates and good times at Virginia Tech with Adam, Kate, and Kelli that he eagerly anticipated each fall. He played baseball and coached Adam’s teams for many years. Even though he had many “replacement parts” in his body, he would admit he would do it all over again. Hugh and Sharon were blessed with a happy and respectful marriage of 27 years. Parkinson’s care made the last few years quite challenging. However, they were fortunate enough to be able to travel, attend concerts, enjoy the front porch, and just take a ride during much of that time. Hugh and Sharon both appreciate the support and love exhibited by their family, friends, and church family during this awful disease. A special thanks to the caregivers that would be with Hugh so Sharon had some respite time to recharge and then be able to fulfill her caregiver responsibilities to the best of her ability. These ladies always made him feel safe, appreciated, and were available to supply his daily cookie cravings. Thanks also to Franklin County Public Safety for their response calls when Hugh was in need and the Franklin Memorial Hospital staff that took such excellent care of Hugh; especially during his final hospital stay. Sharon, Adam, and Kelli cannot thank the doctors, nurses, assistants, respiratory, and other staff for their TRUE care and concern for Hugh and each of them during this very difficult illness and his passing. We have faith in knowing that Hugh is released from Parkinson’s, spending time with family and friends that have passed before him, watching a western with his dad, Paul and brother, Darryl, going to ballgames, and getting to have all of the Coca-Colas and cookies he wants! Regardless, we will miss him incredibly! A memorial service to celebrate Hugh’s life will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026. Interment will follow in the Grindstaff Family Cemetery. His family will receive friends beginning 12 noon prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hugh’s beloved church – Bethlehem Church of the Brethren – 4250 Bethlehem Road, Boones Mill, VA 24065.