Charles W. Grinstead

April 15, 1927 - December 31, 2018

Charles Watkins Grinstead age 91 of 523 Northmont Boulevard in Danville VA died on December 31, 2018 at 8:11am at WakeMed Health in Raleigh, NC. Born April 15, 1927 near Turbeville in Halifax County. He was the son of the late Harvey W and Annie Williamson Grinstead. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Levy. Charles was married to Dorothy Soyars Payne Grinstead. He was a member of Riverview Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Turbeville High School. In September 1944 he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps Reserve before being called to active duty. Later he was a member of the U.S. Inactive Air Corps Reserve for 10 years. He was a charter member of the Danville Barbershop Chorus and Quartets, and a former member of the Danville Antique Car Club. His hobbies were antique cars, camping, model trains, and playing piano. Through his life he strived to help others that he felt were not as fortunate as him. He was a certified master watchmaker and diamond setter. He graduated from Hamilton Watch Company School of Watchmaking in April 1951. He achieved the certified master watchmaking degree given jointly by the American Watchmaker Association and the Bureau of Standards of Washington DC. After 22 years in the jewelry business he went to work for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in the unisteel division. Retiring in 1989 after 16 years. Charles is survived by his wife Dorothy Soyars Grinstead; his daughter, Suzanne Walker (Mike) of Raleigh North Carolina; sister, Joyce Motley (Willie) of Danville, Virginia; and sister, June Adams (Dick) of Destin Beach, Florida. In addition, he had two grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, January 4, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel with the Rev. Daniel Custer officiating. Interment will follow the service in Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the Grinstead family.