Graveside services for Joseph "Joe" Edgar Grissom, Sr., 86, of Start, Louisiana, will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, February 20, 2026, at Start Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Dennard First National Funeral Home in Winnsboro, Louisiana.

Joe was born January 11, 1940, in Crowville, Louisiana, to the late Glover William Grissom and Arzel Antley Grissom. He passed away February 17, 2026, in Monroe, Louisiana, at St. Francis Medical Center following a brief illness.

Joe proudly served his country as a United States Army veteran for several years before beginning his career as a truck driver with Ware Oil Company in Rayville, Louisiana, where he continued to work for 36 years.

Joe was known for his strong work ethic and unwavering sense of responsibility. He believed in providing for his family through honest, hard work and took great pride in every job he did. Whether serving his country, driving a truck, or hauling trees,  Joe was dependable, dedicated, and committed to doing things the right way. Even in the last few weeks of his life, he was still talking about wanting to go to work — a true reflection of the determination and drive that defined him. His steady example of perseverance and integrity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 43 years, Nina Merle Seymour Grissom; his later-in-life wife, Dorothy Shivers Grissom; and his sisters, Marie Goodman and Troy Willyard.

Joe is survived by his six children: Carolyn Smith and husband Jeff of El Dorado, Arkansas; Bill Grissom and wife Tamara of Start, Louisiana; Rosemary McDonald and husband Paul of Rayville, Louisiana; Joann Dennard and husband Troy of Crowville, Louisiana; Dooney "Boy" Grissom and wife Rhonda of Girard, Louisiana; and Daniel Wallace Grissom and wife Ellie of Rayville, Louisiana; and step daughter Gloria Bowen of Pearl, Mississippi.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Samantha Smith Mann and husband Chris; Jacob Smith and wife Rachel; Blake Dennard; D.J. Grissom; Taylor McDonald and wife Kaylee; Maddie Grissom; Holly Kate Grissom; and Jon Merriett;  great-grandchildren Logan, Emma, and Ella Mann; Effie Jane and Eloise Smith; sister Ann Jones; brothers Johnny Grissom and Steve Grissom and wife Annie; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers are Bennie Love and Mike Adcock.

Online registry and condolences may be made at www.dennardfirstnational.com.