Condolence From: Melissa Ginn Gibbs
Condolence: Papa Bear was one of the Greatest Men I have ever know. He did me the honors of giving me away at my wedding and I was the proudest bride alive to have such a man like him by my side. Bear and Ivy accepted me as family and I will miss you Papa. No man will ever come close to you.Light up the sky like you did the earth. Love you.
Sunday April 19, 2015
Condolence From: Judy Akers Givens
Condolence: I have known Barry Grinstead since I was 16 years old. He was the first boy I dated and you could say my "first young love"! He was a great guy and I loved his family. We lost contact after high school and became friends on Face Book several months ago. To his family: I know you will miss Barry and I pray God will give you strength and grace to continue on. Be thankful for the wonderful memories you have.
Sincerely,
Judy A. Givens
Friday March 06, 2015
Condolence From: Mike Worthington
Condolence: I can still remember when you, Bill "Beetle" Bailey & I were in Alaska and headed for NAM--SEAWOLF "Newbee's"--it is an HONOR & PRIVILEDGE to have you and your Family in our lives. Rest easy SEAWOLF BROTHER
Monday February 23, 2015
Condolence From: Tyrell C. Cox
Condolence: From the time I read WAYWARD Warrant on your floatation vest, you were my hero. Go now to the place were music is good, Sun is shinning and the San Miguel is always cold.
VA115 for life.
Sunday February 22, 2015
Condolence From: Don "sully" Sullivan VA-52
Condolence: Bear was one of those individuals that I will always remember from my career in the Navy. His achievements were many, his friends and "shipmates" will miss him greatly. I first met Barry in VA-52 and from that first meeting knew he was a special person and as a former commanding officer of mine said of people such as Barry a "National Treasure". My deepest condolences to his family. God bless
Saturday February 21, 2015
Condolence From: Jeff Hollis.
Condolence: Papa Bear,
Im short for words because my heart is broke. You are the man that i always looked up to and tried to immulate. You took me and Pina into your family and loved us un-conditionally. I promise to you my friend that i will take care of Ivy and your boys. Love you brother!
Friday February 20, 2015
Condolence From: Wild Bill Grinstead
Condolence: To Ivy and The Boys:
I am so very sorry. Our family, the World, and Navy has lost one of the Best Men I have ever known. He is my hero, but more than that he's my brother. God got the best.
A brief candle both ends burning
An endless mile a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
That we're all part of everything
The present, future, and the past
Fly on proud bird, you're free at last.
I Love You Bear,
Your little Brother Wild Bill Grinstead
Friday February 20, 2015
Condolence From: Lou Genin
Condolence: Bear - We followed each other around Whidbey and overseas for a lot of years. I shall aways remember the infectious grin, glint in the eye and the passion you possesed for what you did. To your family, I say please remember the joy you brought to their lives. I am honored to have known you.
Friday February 20, 2015
Condolence From: Commander Mike "Scally" Scavone
Condolence: Ivy - My deepest condolences to you and your family. Bear was not only a great man, a great warrior, and a great Naval Officer, he was a tremendous friend and shipmate.
Bear - you will be missed by us all. The Eagles would never have risen to the heights they did without your service and tireless dedication. I will always remember the stories you privileged me with - I re-tell many of them to my friend here in Virginia Beach, and oftentimes they look at me like I am just making this stuff up. That is the true testament to how you lived and served our country - it was effectively the stuff legends are made of. God bless you, and your family - my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thanks for letting me be a small part of your life - Scally
Friday February 20, 2015
Condolence From: Marie Eller Root
Condolence: Barry, even though I never had the pleasure of meeting you, I am so Thankful for your services for our country. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My condolences go out to your dear family, my cousins. I pray that they find the comfort & peace & know that you are in a better place. I have read about you & admire you. Rest in Peace, my dear cousin, & one day we will meet. Love you very much. Jay Eller & Marie Eller Root. Thank you again for all your services. May the Good Lord bless Ivy & the boys.
Thursday February 19, 2015
