James Bell “Popsicle” Grinter, 78, of Russellville, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Creekwood Nursing Facility. He was born Sept. 8, 1946, to the late Henry Grinter and Matra First Grinter.
He is also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Beard Grinter; his son, Stacy Beard Sr.; his sister-in-law, Bertha Morris; his brothers, Harry Grinter, Robert Grinter and John Grinter.
He is survived by a special friend, Lillie Hines of Russellville; his sons, James Kees Sr. (Tiffany) of Columbus, Ga., and Montez Beard and Andre Beard Sr., both of Russellville; his daughters, Rita Benjamin (Mark) of New Jersey, Tamika Walton of Alabama, Rhonda Grinter of Lexington, Contessa Payne (Aaron) of Indiana, Charity Phillips (James) of Georgia, and Lakia Beard of Clarksville; his sister, Lilli Herndon of Russellville; his sister-in-law, Ruth Grinter of Russellville, 22 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Popsicle was known by everyone from being the Original Barber, working for many years at Shakertown, and loving his family. He will be missed by many. He was a faithful member of the Bank Street AME Zion Church.
Visitation will be on Saturday, March 15, in the chapel of Kirby Funeral Services Russellville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Pastor Marius Beard officiating services at 1 p.m. with burial to follow in Greenwood Cemetery.
Food for the repass after Cemetery at Kirby Funeral Services Russellville can be dropped off after 10 a.m. Saturday.
Online register book can be found at www.kirbyfuneralservices.com.