Terry Lee Grigg

Terry Lee "TL" Grigg was called home to be with his heavenly father on Monday, May 18th, 2026. He was the first of five children born to the late LeeRoy "Pete" Grigg and Eunice Carol (Randall) Grigg. Raised in Lincolnton Terry began playing guitar at the age of six when his father showed him a few chords. Influenced by the music of The Louvin Brothers, Don Reno & Red Smiley and Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs. He would intently listen to their records and attempt to strum along. He watched the other musicians that played music with his parents along with country music shows on TV like Porter Wagoner, The Wilburn Brothers and Flatt & Scruggs Country Style Roundup.

At the age 14 he joined his first band the "Mole Hill Highlanders" and performed regularly at the Lucia Jamboree. That following year in 1972 his parents decided to put the family musical talents together and formed "The Grigg Family" a bluegrass gospel band. Their first album was published on 8 Track tape; "God's Wonders Never Cease". For the next 21 years The Grigg Family gospel bluegrass band played shows all over the south east in churches, at bluegrass festivals, in restaurants, in businesses and even in private homes.

They played with other well known bluegrass groups such as: The County Partners and at well known venues such as Ernest Tubb's Record Shop, WWVA Barn Dance and even on The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. They appeared on a TV show "Reb Town USA" with The Blueridge Partners and where regular guests on the Southern Jubliee Show. They were also the first bluegrass band to be invited to preform at Carowinds.

Tragically in 1994, Terry's mother, Carol was killed in an automobile accident and his father, Pete was critically injured. The music continued to play after Pete’s long recovery and the band changed their name to "The Griggs". Over the years many local musical talents played with the band including: Arnold Clayton on banjo, Zolia Clayton on Bass and Wayne Billings on Mandolin. For the next 28 years The Griggs again entertained all over the south east and were local favorites at the County Kitchen in Dallas and Friendly's in Stanley. They were invited yearly to attend Asheville's Shin-Dig on The Green and The Mountain Folk Bluegrass Festival.

In 1997, The band produced their first album on compact disc: He's My Friend. They would later publish 6 other albums in their private home studio Jubilee Recording: No Greater Love, I'm On My Way Home, I'm Listening, Old and New, Send the Light and Amazing Grace. In 1998 The Grigg's were invited to play the Grammy party for Ricky Skags Bluegrass Rocks! album. In 2012 They were invited to preform for the 38th Annual Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2013 they were awarded first place in the Jeff and Sheri Easter Talent Contest along with a recording session at their private home studio in Lincolnton, Georgia for the title track on their last album Amazing Grace.

Terry like both of his parents had a love of bluegrass music second only to their love of sharing the Gospel of Christ. Terry was a devoted church attendee and member to several baptist churches through out his life; Thomasoboro Baptist Church later Holly Hunter Baptist Church of Charlotte, Tuckaseegee Baptist Church of Mount Holly and of recent, North Main Street Baptist Church of Mount Holly where he was a Sunday school teacher and member of the church choir.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years; Kathy H. Grigg of Stanley, daughter Kari K. Carlton (Jeffrey) of Charlotte, son Eli F. Grigg of Stanley, grand sons Raylyn C. Stewart and Julian S. Carlton, siblings Joey D. Grigg (Lou) of Stanley, Donald R. Grigg (Susan) of Summerville, June L. Barnhill (Blair) of Florida, Jim E. Grigg (Jennifer) of South Carolina and many nieces and nephews.

The Family would like to especially express their gratitude for the numinous members of Terry’s care team at both Carolina Caring Hospice and The Greens of Lincolnton. Truly special people providing the tender care he and his family needed in the last year of his life.

A public visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, May 26th 2026 at 5pm at Second Baptist Church of Mount Holly, NC. A private burial will be held at a later date.