Francis (Frank) Charles Grindstaff

My best friend and partner for 37 years.

Francis (Frank) Charles Grindstaff, 67 of Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord on September 4, 2024, at home peacefully in his sleep, following a period of declining health. Born in Morocco, Africa on February 9, 1957, a son of the late James Vincent Grindstaff and Dorothy Jean Fox Grindstaff. Frank graduated from Central High School in 1975, and ETSU with a bachelor’s degree in education and specialty in Biology. He married Jeffrey L. Cox on October 11, 2011. Frank was a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy and retired from Cheddars of Kingsport in 2019 following 18 years of service. He taught school in California and Ohio before moving back to Tennessee. Frank began his restaurant career at Cheers in Johnson City, then The Sophisicated Otter in Johnson City and finally Cheddars in Kingsport. Frank will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, brother and friend who loved to play on his farm, watch sci-fi shows and tinker with his tractor and loved his ”Pancho.”

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital and Caris Hospice.

Frank is survived by his husband of 37 years, Jeffrey L. Cox; sister, Susan Grindstaff Crowder (Bobby); sister-in-law, Wendy Gamble; brothers, Richard Grindstaff (Joanne), David Grindstaff and Mark Grindstaff (Patricia); several nieces and nephews; special friends, June Cohen, Brian and Stacey Barker and Phil Smith; and special pet, Pancho.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Gunnings Cemetery with Pastor Mike Anglin officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Summerville Baptist Church, 235 Mockingbird Lane, Kingsport, TN 37663.