Grist, Wallace Samuel, 89, passed away on Tuesday, Jan 7th, 2014. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on Aug. 16th,1924.

After graduation from Poland High School in Ohio he went to U.S. Merchant Marine Training School as 1st Class Seaman, then went to U.S.Maritime Officer Candidate School ending up a Lieutenant J.G.

After the War, he married Ruth E.Conn of Hubbard ,Ohio. Sam and his brother Alfred Grist married sisters Ruth and Sarah Conn in a double wedding on June 17th,1950. He attended Youngstown University and received his Bachelor's in Engineering. Then went to Akron University to receive his Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Sam moved on to become a Professor at Youngstown University teaching Engineering and Mathematics. He was Chief Engineer at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Youngstown Ohio , where he designed and built the incubator for new born babies with jaundice. Then leaving in 1970 to go to Louis A. Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois as Assistant Director. Sam continued his studies in College to receive his Master's Degree in Hospital Administration which led him to becoming Vice President of Louis A. Weiss Hospital until he retired in 1988. He served as president of AHA/American Society of Hosp. Engineers, Uptown Chamber of Commerce, and Uptown Chicago Commission.

Sam ran many marathons in Chicago, one of his last in his late 60's. Sam was an artist and enjoyed making clay statutes and painting. He moved to Tavares, Florida in 1995 where he resided with his wife, Ruth. He was very active serving his community as Commander of American Legion and Worshipful Master of the Masons Blue Lodge receiving his 32nd Degree then going on to receive his Knights of the York Cross of Honour ,2013. He was active in Tavares Bahia Shriners and Tavares Zoning Committee.

Sam is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth, sister, Eileen Hopper of Arizona, brother, Alfred Grist, of Oregon, daughters, Becky Fisher of Tarvares, Fl , Samyra Tyler of Winter Park, Fl, son, Wallace S. Grist, Jr of Grayslake,Illinois, grandchildren, Elizabeth Bell, Jennifer Malecki, W. Samuel King, Jaclyn Dubrasky, Jill Grist, and Kevin Grist and 8 great grandchildren. Wallace was pre-deceased by his daughter, Elnorah Grist, and a brother Wallace C. Grist of Poland,Ohio.

Sam loved being with his family, he will be missed dearly. He was loved by all who knew him.

Visitation and Services will be held 11am at Allen J. Harden Funeral Home 1800 Donnelly Street Mount Dora, Fl. Funeral to follow at 12 noon same place. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Wallace Samuel Grist Tavares Masonic Lodge #234, 1234 Wells Ave. Tarvares, Fl. 32778.