Kenneth Grizzard Obituary

Kenny was a great person with a big heart and I will miss him. Charleston has lost truly a wonderful person.

My heart-felt condolences and prayers go out to the Grizzard family and my friends in Charleston. A great man will sorely be missed. He was such a wonderful man, always smiling and kind to everyone he met. My trips home will never be the same.
All my love

Alison

Kenny was a genuinely nice guy. Our world will mourn his passing,,,

Our prayers go out to Kenny's family and friends. We have not seen Kenny in a few years but will always have fond memories of him.

Jerry and Ron (The Happy Easter Guys)

I express my heart-felt sadness to the Grizzard family at the loss of someone whom I'd know since the late '80's. Kenny is loved by all whom he came in contact with and will be truley missed.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

I recieved a letter this morning! The return address read RSVP...Only I were able to read the letter's contents! I asked if anyone could read it to me. They were unable to, for that letter was addressed especially for mine own eyes, rendering just a mere piece of paper in their eyes. Though my weary eyes were unable to focus on what it said.

A voice spoke so softly in my ears: "Servent of GOD, well done, you can come home now! With my last breath, I accepted HIS invite! Whatever pain I felt or had been feeling were replaced with relief. Sadness, sorrow, shame, guilt and defeat, no longer had me bound. I went in peace, as that I ask of you, yet know that forever, I am with you, in your heart, min, and soul! Through your hardest of times!

That where I am, you may be there too, when you recieve your letter! No more sickness of the body, weaknesses of life, just joy! Remember me as when you met me, as I with you, in this period of time known as life!

Yesterday is the Past, Tomorrow is not promised to us, while Today is a gift: to which GOD named as the Present! For I have lived my life as intended, to which HE gave me rest. I am at my happiest now...

In my passing, may you rejoice knowing that with my invite, I was prepared and ready for my return trip on the right side of my Father in heaven...

Written By,

Corwin deAngelo Rivers

P.S. One of the greatest memories of Kenny, though painful through whatever undertaking he underwent, he never showed it...He was one of the strongest persons I have ever met or came in contact with. For that, I will always remember his strength, zest for life, demeanor, the kind of person he was, and allowed me to become. Though we lost a great man, Heaven recieved one of it's greatest angels, and is now allowing us to have a guardian angel constantly watching over us...
While writing this, I prayed that Kenny would be with me and allow me to say to all what he could not say. My prayer was answered, strength I never knew I had, was bestowed upon me. Allowing me to complete such a great work as I have submitted before you. My only hope is that Kenny himself, is pleased by this poem...

May you rest in perfect peace, as I press on towards the trials of life, and that you keep me steady through the course...I Love You, and live as though the "Present is My Gift...

LOVE YOU BUNCHES...

Kenny I love you and the faces on the wall i'll think of you...you are my hero and please watch over me i cant believe your gone but again i love you and i'll miss you

Coming home will be a bit lonelier. Having left home over 25 years ago always seemed like just yesterday with Kenny.

Though my sadness cannot equal that of the Grizzard family, you do not mourn alone.

To Kenny's family

Our hearts are saddened at the loss of such a wonderful man. Kenny knew no strangers, He was always kind and considerate to all. We will miss seeing him around downtown. Charleston has lost a good man, and friend to our community. Our thoughts are with you during this time. Just remember Kenny will never be forgotten.

Kenny-you were one of the nicest people I have ever met and welcomed me upon my move here. You will be deeply missed. To the family, my deepest condolences on your loss and the loss of a Charleston institution.

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

I would like to extend my condolences to the Grizzard family. I am deeply saddened by your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that Kenny was well liked in Charleston.
Kenny was really a character. When we would run into each other he would almost always address me initially by my surname and he made sure to put a mister in front of it! You could never accuse him of being impolite. It's funny, even though I knew him for close to 25 years the image of Kenny that comes to mind when I think of him never changes. It's always from all those years ago when we were both much younger. Maybe it's because he made an impression on the people that he met. He seemed to have boundless energy. Watching him work would make one tired, and Kenny worked hard! The way that he spoke, that rapid staccato rhythm, especially when he was worked up. The way that he walked, I could always tell it was him even at a distance.
What really stands out in my mind at this moment was that above all, Kenny was a good and decent human being. He cared about others, about their well- being. People like Kenny should not have to suffer and struggle like he did.
Goodnight Mr.Grizzard, rest well.

Our deepest symapthy goes out to the Grizzard family. Kenny touched the lives of many people that had the pleasure of meeting/knowing him. Charleston has a huge void now that he's departed. My brother and I have many wonderful memories of him (Titanic parties, Harbor Cruises, Arcade days, & Dudleys, etc...). He will certainly live on in our memories of him. Cheers to a kind-hearted person with a heart of gold.
Sincerely,
Rocky & Shawn Rhoad

I was fortunate to have visited the "Arcade" when it was in a temp location during a time when it was being repaired due to a fire. It was my first visit and it turned out to be a safe haven for many years. I found solace there and the attention I needed (and some I came to not) as a young confused man. I did not know Kenneth personally, but the establishments he created were something that was pivotal in my life. I look at those years with fondness and sadness that they could not have lasted forever. Thank you for opening your "home" to the weary travelers and making everyone feel like "Family". Rest well.

Kenny, you will be missed greatly. I worked with kenny at the bars as security for a few years. He made me laugh, and that is something I will never forget. With lots of love. Daren

Kenny, Charleston will never be the same, but glad you are without pain. I will always remember our special times and will have a hard time visiting Charleston without you there to cheer a friend. You are Dudleys and it felt like Cheer's you always made sure everyone knew each others name. Even from afar I will miss you always. You are a friend of 27 years and will remain as such for the rest of my years for you were a great imprint on my life. I think now I will shed some tears but know they are tears of joy for being blessed with you as a friend. I will continue to celebrate life for you my friend. Love always, your friend David McNulty in D.C. P.S. am already helping raise awareness of this cancer so that more funds will be given for research as I now know 2 more people with pancreatic cancer. If anyone else would like to help even in a non denominational way please contact me or pancreatic cancer.org where you can write your senators for funding.

My Heart Goes To The family and Friends of Kenny. We use to share
good times together. He was a very special ,loveable, friendly guy and alway's found way to cheer everyone. I wanted to say Goodbye
and just did not know how . I'm so sorry, but happy that his pain is gone. Heavan just got a friendly loving guy. Kenny will be missed and never forgotten.

you were one of the best things in charleston and the whole city will be lacking now that you're gone. it won't be the same without you.

What a nice guy...I'm going to miss you, Kenny. My thoughts are with your family and friends.

The rains have been pouring in Charleston-tears for Kenny.....
my deepest condolences to his family....He is already missed

A Reminiscence

YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.

May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.

Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;

To think a soul so near divine,
Within a form so angel fair,
United to a heart like thine,
Has gladdened once our humble sphere.

By Anne Bronte
The Poetry Foundation

To the family of Kenny and the Dudley’s family. Kenny will surly be miss by all who knew him.
Kenny was a person that could make everyone feel at home in Dudley’s. His employer and friend, John, owner of Dudley’s, will be lost without him to guide and run Dudley’s. So many friends Kenny has made over the course of his life. He had an ability to make anyone feel at home and ease. His friendship will remain with all of us and he will never be forgotten. John, the entire community greaves with you on this great loss for us all. I wish I could be with you all during this grieving time but I am on the other side of the world. You all are always in my thoughts .

Kenny, May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

We have so many memories of the kindness,love & laughter that Kenny shared with us. Rest in Peace,
Kenneth Ann.
Samantha & Barbara Parrott
& Jeffrey Smith

My thoughts and condolences go out to the Grizzard family. Kenny was so much a part of Charleston and always made everyone feel welcome and special. It won't be the same without Kenny's smile and laughter and I'll never forget him. Rest in peace my friend...

Kenny was a great man! I enjoyed every moment that I spent near him. Caring and always there to chat or lend a hand. Many times Kenny made me smile. My heart fealt sympathies to the Grizzard family.

Dear Kenny,
Your are truly missed. The Dudley's Annual Harbor Cruise won't be the same without seeing you on board. When I think of you, I will always remember the good times. Love always....

Fairwell, Kennith Ann. I miss u terribly. Sweet dreams and God bless. i love you!!!

I feel blessed to have met you and will miss you, Kenny. My condolences to the Grizzard family. Although it may be difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

To my dear friend Kenny, I will always cherish the memories of our friendship - talks we had after the bar closed, bartending together on the cruise - there are so many good memories. You reminded me about the importance of family and you showed me how to always keep fighting. I love you my friend, and I will miss you greatly!

So happy to have known you for the time that I did, so sad that it could not continue. An amazingly selfless and caring person, always with a big smile and fun sense of humor. I'm going to miss you.

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones, Kenny.. You were a good man and you will be missed.

My heartfelt condolences to the Grizzard family. Kenny was a kind and thoughtful man who showed great courage and dignity during his illness. He will be greatly missed.

GOOD BYE AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU
YOU PUT UP A LONG AND HARD FIGHT. YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND AND I WILL MISS YOU GREATLY.

To the Grizzard Family
It is a sad time in Charleston, SC.
Kenny was a great guy and good friend to me when I lived in SC. He will be sadly missed. God Bless you Kenny. I will never forget you.

Deepest sadness & condolences. Glad to have had a chance to have known Kenny & have had my life enriched by my experiences of knowing him.

Good night Sweet Prince of the
Nite life scene. May you rest in
peace.

Kenny was a gentleman's gentleman...He fought a courageous battle...I will never forget his kindness and thoughtfulness, his caring and generosity. Thank you Kenny for being a part of my life...I will never forget you....

Kenny was a sweet and kind man his whole life that I knew him. He was always cheerful and full of energy. During the days when I managed the Arcade, he was always kind to me, even in bad times. He always made the best, "scotch and soda with lime" for me, in fact it was him that started me drinking it. I so much wanted to see him again, but I know I will see him one day. Take care my friend.
Peace

Glenn H Pipkin Jr
manager of the Arcade from 87-91.
Columbia, SC

I was so sorry to hear about Kenny. He was a kind and friendly person and was great at his job. I have many fond memories of get-togethers with friends downtown. God bless you, Kenny. You will be sadly missed.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.