Volunteer Couple of the Year

Every year when we present the Baptists on Mission “Volunteer of the Year” award, I always think about how the recipient represents so many other people and this year’s selection is no different: Don and Marie Grindstaff. They are definitely an example of “Living Sent.”

Married for 37 years, Don and Marie have four children and eight grandchildren. Marie spent her entire career in banking and finance. She is a born servant and poured her heart and soul into their home and into their family. Don retired from the US Army after 24 years, then became owner of his own fencing business for over 20 years. They lived on Mill Creek in Old Fort for almost 30 years after retirement.

Hurricane Helene took their home and completely destroyed the property that became like home to everyone who visited there. Within days, as soon as they were able to get off the hill, they were living in their camper and serving other people who had lost their homes as well. Their pastor said about them:

“Three days after finding out Don and Marie lost their home, I was finally able to talk with them on the phone. We cried and talked for a little over an hour. At the end of the conversation Don said, ‘I gotta run because we are cooking dinner for our neighbors.’ I was stunned. My first thought was ‘No! You’re not allowed to serve others. You should be served right now.’”

In their RV, they cooked their neighbors a meal because their neighbors had nothing. Tragedy would not break them. Grief would not stop them. They would serve the Lord no matter the circumstance.

Working, Serving, Living Sent…it’s just who they are.

Baptists on Mission is proud to honor Don and Marie Grindstaff as our 2025 Volunteers of the Year!