Obituary of David R. Grist

��David R. Grist, 73, of Rte. 249, Knoxville, passed away at home on Sunday, August 23, 2015. Dave was born in Hornell, NY on April 4, 1942, the son of the late Roy E. and Erna (LeBarron) Grist. He was a 1960 graduate of Troupsburg Central School and of the Williamsport Area Community College where he earned a degree in auto mechanics. Following college, Dave entered the US Army in 1964 serving, until 1966. He was a tank mechanic and was stationed in Germany. On June 3, 1967, he married the former Bernadine Fuller at the Knoxville, PA Baptist Church. Bernie survives. An auto mechanic most of his life, Dave worked for Brugger & Crandall Garage in Westfield for 25 years. He later operated his own auto repair business in Knoxville for 4 years. He retired from NAPA Auto Parts in Westfield. Following retirement, Dave stayed busy with volunteer work in the community, including working as a census taker and driving for Caring Hands Transportation Services. Dave was a long time member and Past Master of the Westfield Lodge 477 F&AM as well as a member of the Knoxville Chapter 328 of the Order of the Eastern Star. A member of the Coudersport Consistory of the Masons, Dave was the recipient of a state Mason's Meritorious Service Award. He was also a member and secretary of the Westfield American Legion Post. Dave was a long time member of the Austinburg United Methodist Church where he was a greeter and served on various committees. An avid outdoorsman, Dave loved to hunt and fish. He was also a great family man and loved play time with all the children, whether family or not. Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Bernie Grist at home, his son and daughter in law, Brian and Wendy Grist of Lawrenceville, his daughter and son in law, Melisa and David Copeland of Fort Lawn, SC, 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, his brothers, Ronald (Sharon) Grist of Addison and Eric (Kerri) Grist of Elkland, his sisters, Lucinda Ordiway of Knoxville, Susan Carroll of Virginia Beach, VA, Gayle Thomas of Sabinsville, Darleen English of Woodhull, Nancy (Daniel) Kimble of Unicoi, TN, Anne (Wayne) Dengler of Lawrenceville and Wendy (Earl) Borden of Wellsboro, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call on Wednesday, August 26 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY, where Masonic and OES memorial services will be held there at 8:30 and 8:45 PM. Dave's funeral services will be conducted on Thursday at 11 AM at the Austinburg United Methodist Church in Austinburg, PA with Pastor Cathy Dawes officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Austinburg. Memorials in Dave's name may be made to the American Cancer Society.�� Service: Thursday, August 27, 2015 11:00 AM�� Austinburg United Methodist Church Austinburg, PA�� Visitation: Wednesday, August 26, 2015 2-4 and 7-9 PM�� H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY��