John Lawrence Grist

John Lawrence "Larry" Grist John Lawrence "Larry" Grist, 63, of Charlotte passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2013 after a brave and courageous battle with ALS. Larry graduated from Myers Park High School where he played baseball, football and lettered in track. He received a business degree from Appalachian State where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Larry was employed for 24 years by Smith and Stevenson Co. of Charlotte where co-workers and customers turned into lifelong friends. In addition to spending time with his family and friends, Larry enjoyed the beach and collecting WWI and WWII relics. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Jean Martin Grist and four children; Martin Grist, Carson Jane and Derek O'Bryan, Cameron Grist and Garret Grist, all of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by two brothers: Bill Grist and his wife, Linda of Concord, NC and Thomas Grist and his wife, Joan of Charlotte, NC. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, the Honorable and Mrs. William T Grist. A celebration of Larry's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at the church following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Patty Pollatus Fund, Inc. 11102 Eagle Trace Ct. New Market, MD 21774 (http://www.ppfinc.org/recipients-page/larry-grist/) for outstanding medical costs or to Selwyn Ave Presbyterian Church, 2929 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28209.