Rev. Steven DeWayne Grindstaff, age 49, of the Pleasant Gap Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022. A native of Yancey County, he was the son of Donald and Yvonne Austin Buchanan and the late Rev. Van Grindstaff. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Coy and Ruth Austin, and paternal grandparents, Virgie and Lucian Grindstaff.
Steven taught school in Haywood, Buncombe and Yancey Counties, and loved his students dearly. He was a book of knowledge with a big personality and had never met a stranger. He was a youth pastor in Jackson, Tuckasegee and Yancey Counties, and also pastored in Duval County, Florida and Yancey County, NC. He enjoyed acting, as well as performing as a disc jockey at various events. Christmastime was Steven’s most beloved time of the year and he loved Christmas music. He was also a big Carolina Tar heels fan. Steven was a true Renaissance man.
In addition to his mother and stepfather, he is survived by his wife, Kristy Payne Grindstaff; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Sue Parker of Burnsville; son, Caleb Grindstaff, and daughter, Olivia Moody (Seth), all of Burnsville; sister, Christy Roberts of Green Mountain; and two nephews, Josh and Andrew Roberts of Green Mountain. He is also survived by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins, friends and students who loved him dearly.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Service with Rev. Shane Cassida officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. prior to the services.
Memorial donations may be made to Burnsville Elementary School at 395 Burnsville School Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.