Robert Earl Grisham Sr. was born December 2, 1934. He attended Lauderdale County high school where he was a standout running back on the football team. Grisham was four year starter for the Tigers, scoring 43 touchdowns during his high school career with 21 of those being tallied during his senior season.

He made the All Tri-County Team twice and was team captain during his two seasons. He participated in the Alabama North-South All-Star Football Game in 1954.

He earned a scholarship to the Florence State Teachers College where he played wide receiver before graduating in 1958. Grisham was a letterman in college from 1965-57. He received a Masters degree from Montevallo University in 1974.

Grisham began his coaching at Falkville and at three Georgia schools; Osbourn, Sandy Springs and East Hall. He returned to Alabama when he became the head coach at Phil Campbell in 1964. Two years later Grisham became the head football coach at Lauderdale County High School, his alma mater, where he remained for the next 25 seasons.

Grisham enjoyed an overall 156-105-5 record, including 14 winning seasons, and six state playoff appearances. His last three teams (1988-90) won region titles and each qualified for the playoffs.

His coaching tenure was cut short when, due to health reasons, he was forced to retire following the 1990 season at Lauderdale County. He had a tremendous influence on athletic programs in the State of Alabama and made an impact on the lives of countless young people.

Coach Grisham was the only coach ever to win a football State Championship in a Lauderdale County school.

Grisham left behind a legacy that includes induction into the prestigious Lauderdale County High School Hall of Fame and was inducted into the 2004 Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Robert Earl Grisham Sr. of Rogersville, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001 at the age of 67.