Cecil Grinolds, Jr.

Cecil Grinolds Jr., age 88, of Powhatan, VA, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Aug. 15, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was devoted to his family, fiercely loving his wife of 63 years, Priscilla Grinolds; children, Teresa (Joe) Dornish, Tina Grinolds, and April (Dave) Jaconski; grandchildren, Amber Kestler, Odyssey (Aaron) Marshall, Brittany (Drew) Howell, Tiffany (Brandon) Gerrald, Cole (Thomas Reiker) Jaconski, and Sophie Jaconski; and great-grandchildren, AJ, Austin, and Autumn Kestler, Adelle and Vivian Howell, Hunter, Lila, Charlotte and Ava Marshall and Elaine June Gerrald. He will also be missed by his sister, Anita Benjamin; nieces, nephew and many extended family members and cherished friends.

Known for his boundless energy and generosity, he offered kindness and compassion to everyone he met and was highly regarded and beloved by those who knew him well. His legacy is defined by hard work, integrity, servitude and meaningful contributions to multiple communities.

He built a successful State Farm agency and served as a church Elder, Sunday School teacher, and Youth Group leader. While residing in St. Marys, PA, he served as president of the Food Bank for 17 years, president of Meals on Wheels for 12 years, president of Kiwanis Club for two years, and secretary of Salvation Army for 17 years. Upon retirement and relocating to Virginia, he continued his volunteer work for Meals on Wheels and Salvation Army and was dedicated to bringing joy to residents of local nursing homes. He also traveled to Tanzania, East Africa, to help build a school and work with local teachers and children.

He was born in Smethport, PA, and his early years were spent fishing, frogging, collecting crawfish for bait, hunting, and trapping. His passion for the outdoors endured throughout his life, as he continued to pursue hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature.

While attending the University of Texas at Arlington, he worked at Convair Aircraft in Fort Worth, TX, where he contributed to the construction of the B-58 Hustler, a supersonic jet bomber. Subsequently, he was drafted into the U.S. Army with the rank of Corporal and served during the Korean War.

He married the love of his life, Priscilla, in 1963 and held positions in banking before moving to St. Marys, PA to open his successful State Farm Agency.

He maintained his sense of humor and affection for his family throughout his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He requested that friends and loved ones celebrate his life with joy and laughter and rejoice in the belief that he is now at peace and with the Lord. In accordance with his wishes, a celebration of life will be held following the birth of his tenth great-grandchild. Additional details will be provided by the family in the coming weeks.

We invite everyone to honor his memory by helping others, contributing to your community, and practicing your faith.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Gospel Light Baptist Church.