of Charleston, AR

December 2, 1926 - October 9, 2024

Clayton ''Snooks'' Grist (Gene) , 97, of Charleston, Arkansas passed on to his heavenly home Wednesday, October 9, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones.

Clayton was born December 2, 1926 in Subiaco, Arkansas to his parents, Moses ''Mose'' John Grist and Gracie Mae (Burt) Grist. ''Gene'', as he was known by his co-workers, worked for fifty-seven years in the oilfield, drilling and working derricks for Wolf Energy, New Prospect Drilling Company, Miller Drilling Company and others throughout the country, including the Permian, Anadarko and Arkoma basins. One of the most notable projects he worked on was the drilling of the nuclear test sites at Amchitka, Alaska near the western end of the Aleutian Island chain for Parker Drilling, contracted by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in the 1960s. He retired for his third and final time at the young age of 83, after selling and operating hammer tools for Luby Equipment Services. When he wasn't traveling for work, he spent time with his family and friends and traveled for fun. His last trip was in 2014 when his grandson-in-law drove him and their families in his motorhome over 4,000 miles round-trip through Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks. He collected rocks from all of his travels, whether for work or pleasure. ''Snooks'', as he was known by family, enjoyed camping at Shoal Bay near New Blaine or at Old Post near Russellville. His favorite hobby was fishing for catfish or crappie. For several years he received the title of ''Oldest Fisherman'' in the Arkoma Basin Oilfield Fishing Tournament (ABOFT). All the proceeds from this tournament went to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation which he proudly supported. He would fish this tournament in his Ranger Bass Boat with his best friend and fishing partner, William Mark McBee or other family members. Snooks also enjoyed raising a garden for his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Grist; three brothers, Harold, Cecil and William ''Bill'' Grist; one sister, Lila Richardson; a great granddaughter, Lillian Jones and his best friend and fishing partner, William Mark McBee.

He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Lila Mae (Kuykendall) Grist of Charleston, Arkansas; two sons, Glyndon ''Glyn'' Grist and Charles Grist I both of Charleston, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Brittany Wilson and husband, Brad of Charleston, Jessica Grist of Charleston and Charles Grist II of Van Buren; eight great-grandchildren, Brynlea Wilson, Bryant Wilson, Erica Smalley, Levi Grist, Allister Jones, Tristan Jones, Brayden Grist and Chelsea Grist; other family members and friends.

A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, October 18, 2024 at Roller Funeral Home in Paris officiated by Kennith Wilson.

Cremation and memorial service arrangements are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.

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