Howard Grindstaff

howard grindstaff

April 9, 1933 ~ January 19, 2021

Born in: Little Switzerland, NC
Resided in: Spruce Pine, NC

Howard Grindstaff, 87, of Little Switzerland, NC, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the CarePartners Solace Center, Asheville.

A native of Little Switzerland, he was a son of the late Merve and Carrie McKinney Grindstaff. He was also preceded in death by his son, Howard Grindstaff, Jr.

Mr. Grindstaff enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He served aboard the Escort Carrier USS Palau (CVE-122) as a member of the Ships Police.

Mr. Grindstaff performed in many motion pictures, made for TV movies, music videos, and TV commercials. Some notable movies were “The Last of the Mohicans (1992)”, “Loose Cannons (1990)” “The Journey of August King (1995)”, “Winter People (1989)”, and “The Fugitive (1993)”. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Surviving is his daughter, Sandra Buchanan (Nathan); grandson, Charles Aaron Cantrell; and his beloved life companion, Sharron Kwiatkowski.

Private graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 25, at Burnett Cemetery, Little Switzerland. The Rev. Fr. Patrick Cahill will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mitchell County Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 308, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Navy Veteran

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  1. He was such a wonderful man! I always enjoyed talking to him and hearing about his movie experiences. He will be missed so much.

  2. Leo and Tammy Baker
    Gayla Pankey and Joan Gardner
    Howard was our first cousin we loved him very much. Love and prayers for his beloved daughter Sandra.

  3. Howard was a good neighbor & friend. He was kind & helpful to my mother who lived next door & was alone or several years. All the family were dear to me.

  4. I miss you, Daddy! 2 years today that you left us but never one day passes that I don’t miss you. I love you!!!!


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