Reginald James Grissom, Jr.

Reginald James Grissom, Jr., AKA Reggie, passed away tragically on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Gatlington Beach in Gates County, NC. He was 24 years old. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden death.

Reggie was born on April 5, 1999, to Reginald Grissom, Sr., and Latina Collins in Buffalo, NY. Seeking a better environment and more opportunities for her son, his mother moved to Winston-Salam, NC where they lived for a year then relocated to Norfolk, VA where they settled down to call home at the age of 4. As a child Reggie was always good company, he was curious and asked lots of questions. Reggie was strong willed and at times stubborn, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal and his smile would light up any room. During his middle school years, he learned to play the trumpet and was 1st chair for 2 years. He enjoyed it so much his Pa-Pa purchased him a trumpet of his own. Reggie was also active in sports. He played football for Titustown Recreation Center and Northside Middle School both in Norfolk, VA, and when he lived with his father during his sophomore year, he played for Kenmore East High School in Tonawanda, NY. Reggie attended Lake Taylor High School and during that time he had the opportunity to learn a trade at Norfolk Technical Center which is where he fell in love with welding! Reggie graduated from Lake Taylor High School in 2017. He continued to build on his love for welding by attending Tidewater Tech and graduated with several certificates in December 2020. His ultimate goal was to own his own mobile welding business called “Hotwelding Mobile.”

He will be remembered most for his beautiful smile and loyalty to his family and friends. Reggie grew up in the church and he attended St Paul Deliverance Christian Center in Norfolk, VA. Reggie was raised to value family. Although he and his mother moved from Buffalo where most of his family resides, he was still able to build strong bonds with his grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles when he would visit during the summer growing up.

Reggie is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Elesta and Themla Lane.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories, his mother, Latina Collins and stepfather Travis L. Collins; his father, Reginald Grissom, Sr; grandparents, Ronald Burns, Sr. and Michelle Lane, RJ and Sarah Grissom; great-grandparents, Luretha Adams (husband Clifford-deceased); siblings, Zhyir Grissom, Christian Grissom (C.J), Jordan Grissom, Judah Grissom, Honesty Grissom, Regina Grissom, Tiana Collins, Tiara Collins; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He will be forever remembered.