State Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, paid a special tribute to the late William Grissett at Monday’s meeting of the Atmore City Council.

Baker told the council that he had introduced a special State House Resolution in Grissett’s memory, during the recently completed legislative session. Grissett, an Atmore businessman and prominent citizen, passed away May 8. The resolution, which was numbered H.R. 274-2015, was read in the House on Thursday, May 21.

Baker presented a copy of the resolution to several of Grissett’s family members, including his son, Scott Grissett, daughter, Amy Dean, and brother, Jerry Grissett.

“I was in Montgomery at the time that I first heard of the passing of William Grissett,” Baker said. “I was very saddened. I wanted to record in Montgomery the noteworthy accomplishments of William Grissett, with this resolution.”

Baker said he joined Grissett and his late wife, Mary, during an Atmore clean-up day on a Saturday in 2006.
“We were in a small group together cleaning up north Highway 31,” he said. “That was my first real opportunity to get to know them, and then in the few years after I was happy to maintain a healthy relationship with them. They will be very missed.”

The complete text of H.R. 274-2015 is as follows:

“Mourning the death of Mr. William Grissett.

“Whereas, we note the death of Mr. William Grissett with deep sadness and regret; his invaluable life is commended and celebrated with tremendous thanksgiving; and

“Whereas, the passing of Mr. Grissett leaves a void in the lives of his loving family, many friends, and the entire community, where he was highly regarded; and

“Whereas, an esteemed Atmore, Alabama, businessman, Mr. Grissett was the owner of Escambia Lawn Equipment Center; he previously owned Sunbelt Chemical; and

“Whereas, as an active member of the community, he served as a Rotarian and past President of the Rotary Club; he received the Service Above Self Award and was a Paul Harris Fellow; in addition, he served on the Escambia County Alabama Hospitals, Inc., Board, as Chairman of the Escambia County Alabama Hospitals, Inc., Board, and as a member of the Baptist Health Care Board, and he was an avid supporter of Atmore Community Hospital, which he loved dearly; and

“Whereas, survivors include his son, Scott; his daughter, Amy; grandchildren; brothers and sisters; nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless friends and business acquaintances; he was preceded in death by his beloved and devoted wife, Mary; and his yellow Labrador, Moe; and

“Whereas, Mr. Grissett was a valued member of the community; although his presence is greatly missed, his memory is cherished in the hearts and minds of all those who were fortunate enough to know him; now therefore,

“Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the Legislature of Alabama, That grieving the death of Mr. William Grissett, we are extremely grateful for his abundant life, and we offer this resolution in highest tribute to his inspiring legacy, as well as in heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.”