Wayne Alen Grinder

Wayne Grinder was destined to be a great athlete when he was born on August 27, 1953, in Wichita, Kansas to Ray and Emma Lee (Dean) Grinder. He excelled in baseball and football as a youth. The family moved to Harrison, Arkansas in 1968 where Wayne attended Harrison High School and graduated in 1971. While in high school he continued to excel in football and loved boxing. He was a two-year letterman and All District in football. He received the Jake/Jacobson Award and was later inducted into the Harrison Hall of Fame. After graduating high school, he joined the Navy and served on the USS Kitty Hawk from 1971 to 1975. While aboard the ship he continued to excel at boxing. After his discharge from active duty, he joined the Navy Reserves. He was as brave as he was tough but was a teddy bear on the inside.

Wayne is with his Savior. He peacefully left this world on March 24, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. His friends and family are left with so many stories and sayings that only Wayne could get away with. His comical abilities were equivalent to his athletic abilities. He loved embarrassing those around him.

Wayne was a lifelong truck driver, bull hauler, logger, and anything else he could fit on a trailer. Wayne infamously shared his comical personality and embarrassing ways were known as he traveled from state to state.

He leaves behind his wife, Ann Schweinle Grinder, of Mena, AR; daughters, Jennifer Ramsey (Steve Wagoner), of Harrison, and Trish Bartley (Jeremiah Wohl), of St. Joe; son, D'Wayn Grinder, of Mena, AR; sisters, Nita Grinder, of Harrison, Bonnie Grinder, of Harrison, and Karen Smith (Garry) Wesley, AR; brother, Andy Grinder (Tina), of Branson, MO; grandchildren, Ashley Butler, Kaitlyn Willis (Waylon), Bryton Bartley, and Breccan Bartley; great-grandchildren, Chance Butler and Enzo Willis; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Graveside service will be Friday, March 29 (2024) at 1 p.m. at Love Cemetery in St. Joe. Andy Grinder will officiate.

Condolences may be left online at www.coffmanfh.com