For 20 years he was superintendent of education in Talladega County, part of a 43-year-career in education. For the last three years, he served on the Talladega City Council. He has been a member of First Baptist Church of Talladega for 34 years, serving as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.
After retiring from the Talladega County system, Dr. Grissett worked as an interim superintendent and consultant for other school systems in the state.
His former colleague Dr. Joe Morton was superintendent in Sylacauga when Dr. Grissett was in Talladega County.
“He made a difference in a lot of lives,” Dr. Morton said after hearing of Grissett’s death. “He had the right chemistry, very student centered. He got to know the students and cared about their futures.”
Making a difference in the lives of others is a lasting legacy of Dr. Lance Grissett.
Other educators had high praise for Grissett as well.
“Dr. Grissett laid a very strong foundation for our school system,” said Dr. Suzanne Lacey, the current superintendent in Talladega County. “Many things he implemented are still in place.” Considering he has been retired as county superintendent for 14 years that’s a strong compliment indeed.
His friend John Stamps, a former principal in the county system, said Dr. Grissett was both fair and sensitive. He expected a lot from his teachers, and his students. He let administrators do their jobs while at the same time keeping up with what was going on in the entire system.
“He liked to remind you from time to time that he was from Pike County, Alabama, and from a small school,” said Stamps. “He may have come from a small school, but he was a giant in the field of education.”
Dr. Grissett will be missed. We extend our condolences to his family and wide circle of friends.
