Ladurl Grisham

1932 - 2025

James Ladurl Grisham, known affectionately by family and friends as "Ladurl," passed away on August 3, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on May 2, 1932, in Union County, Mississippi, Ladurl lived a rich and industrious life, brimming with love for his family, passion for his work, and devotion to his faith.

Ladurl left this world at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany, Mississippi, a short journey from the place he first called home. The son of James Arch Grisham and Charlie A. Clara Williams Grisham, both of whom predeceased him, he was the cornerstone of a loving family that included his cherished late wife, Carolyn Rowland Grisham, who preceded him in death by less than two months. He was a beloved brother to Eldrice Weeks (Terry) and Warrene Weeden, and remembered fondly by his sister Frances House, brother-in-law Veneray Weeden and son-in-law, Tracy Chism, who all predeceased him. Ladurl's legacy endures through his devoted daughters, Nancy Chism and Tracie Wallis (Charles), and through the lively spirits of his three grandchildren, Meredith Mayo (Brad), T.J. Browning, and Travis Browning, and his treasured great grandchildren, Bennett and Ellie Mayo.

Ladurl's work as a carpenter was not just a job-it was his calling. After years of honing his craft in Memphis, he collaborated with Hooker Construction before becoming self-employed. With hands skilled and mind ever keen, he built more than 100 houses across Union, Pontotoc, Chickasaw, and Lee Counties and took part in the restoration of the historic Rainey House. Even in retirement, which his family had to lovingly enforce when he was 85, Ladurl's dedication to building and repairing was unmistakable.

His Christian faith was the bedrock of his life, guiding him in kindness and integrity. Ladurl's interests were simple but deeply ingrained. A man of the earth, he loved to spend time in his garden, a testament to his patience and care for growth in all forms. He followed the weather closely, always prepared for what the skies might bring. An avid news watcher, Ladurl held an unwavering nightly appointment with "The Wheel of Fortune," sharing this treasured ritual with his wife. Though late to pet ownership, he and Carolyn grew to adore the cats that found their way into their hearts and home.

Describing Ladurl as handy, kind, and intelligent only skims the surface of a man whose influence, like the homes he built, will stand the test of time. His memory will be held in high esteem, as a testament to a life well-lived and a person well-loved. We bid farewell to James Ladurl Grisham, a man whose life was a blueprint of hard work, loving devotion, and unwavering faith, leaving behind a world forever enhanced by his presence.

A visitation will be held at United Funeral Service on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2025 with Bro. Lee Graham, Bro. Phillip Jackson and Bro. Don McCutchen officiating. Burial will be at Ingomar Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be TJ Browning, Travis Browning, Bennett Mayo, Narshal Weeden, Milfy Weeks and Quentin House. Honorary pallbearers Shane Phillips and Brent Dearman.

United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements.