Kenneth G. Grisko

Evans, GA – Kenneth (Ken) George Grisko, age 84, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in the presence of his family.

Ken was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and moved with his parents at 5 years of age to Coronado, California. He graduated from Mar Vista High School in 1962 and also attended San Diego City College. He met his wife, Karen, through his travels with the military and they married in 1963 in Augusta, Georgia.

Ken received many awards and decorations during his distinguished military career, most notably earning a Purple Heart for injuries received in combat during one of his two tours in Vietnam. He also was awarded the Bronze Star for Heroism in Ground Combat while serving as a Staff Sergeant with Company C, 1 st Battalion (Airborne), 8 th Cavalry during a combat mission in the Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit’s perimeter came under an intense enemy rocket, mortar, and ground attack, Sergeant Grisko exposed himself to the hostile fire and he moved to a forward fighting position to call in and adjust artillery on the enemy emplacements. Disregarding his own safety, he then moved from position to position directing the fire of his men.

He attained the rank of Command Sergeant Major but always said that his favorite jobs in the military were serving in the 8th US Army Honor Guard in Korea as well as being a Drill Sergeant and a 1st Sergeant.

Following his retirement from the Army, Ken worked at Windsor Jewelers, the Pinnacle Club, and Crown Jewelers. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and loved his family and friends. Ken was a believer in Jesus Christ and was a longtime member of Abilene Baptist Church and at the time of his passing was a member of Victory Baptist Church, where he served regularly.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, George Peter Grisko and Doris Jenks Grisko. He is survived by his wife, Karen Hamner Grisko, daughter, Kelly Grisko James and her husband Jack Ronald James Jr., grandchildren Sarah Lauren James and Jacob William James, and great-granddaughter Emory Lane James.

The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 19th at Thomas Poteet & Son, 214 Davis Rd, Augusta, Georgia. The funeral service will be conducted by Reverend William F. Harrell and Pastor CT Townsend at 1 p.m. in the Thomas Poteet & Son Chapel with burial immediately following at the Abilene Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Faith Promise Mission fund of Victory Baptist Church, 620 W. Martintown Rd., North Augusta, SC 29841.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com