In Loving Memory Billie Jean Grinder 8/9/1984 - 2/21/2010 ALEXANDER FUNERAL HOME LOCATION Billie Jean Grinder, age 25, a loving and devoted wife, stepmother, daughter and sister, died Sunday, February 21, 2010 in Iraq as a result of a helicopter crash. She was a 2002 graduate of Smyrna High School and joined the Tennessee Army National Guard in July 2002. CW2 Grinder became a pilot in 2007 after completing Warrant Officer School at Ft. Rucker, AL and quickly excelled in her skills. She was currently a Pilot-In-Command (PIC) for OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and assigned to C Trp, 1-230th ACS. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold William Smith; maternal grandparents, Cathuel Bowe and Juan Galon Bowe; paternal grandparents, Robert Smith and Joan Smith; and uncle, Woodford Bowe. Survivors include her husband, Samuel W. Grinder; stepdaughters, Megan and Makayla Grinder; mother, Roxanne Davenport; stepfather, Billy Davenport; sister, Melissa Baranovic; brothers, James Marhevka, Robbie Shang Frame II; niece, Tali Baranovic; aunt, Rebecca Bowe; and numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Visitation will be Monday and Tuesday from 3-8pm at Alexander Funeral Home, Gallatin, TN. Services will be conducted Wednesday at 1pm at the funeral home chapel with COL(P) William P. Wenzler officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the TNARNG Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Marcus Ray Alford, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, Regions Bank (Village Green Branch) in Gallatin, TN.

Online Condolences From: Luchs Family   Fort Irwin Relationship:  cousin You will be missed by all. You will always be in our hearts and thoughts. Sent:  2/28/2010 From: CW2 Michael & Brandi Banniza Gibson   Hampstead, MD Relationship:  Friend Billie Jean, you are a hero and you will will never be forgotten. Our hearts grieve for you and your family. Thank you for being a friend and for your service to our country. Sent:  2/28/2010 From: Keith Pettit   Martin TN Relationship:  Ernie's cousin Sam, we are sorry for your loss. Billie is a modern time hero for all of us to look up to. We deeply appreciate her sacrifice to our country. Keith & Janice Pettit, Martin tn. Sent:  3/1/2010 From: Ray Wheatley   Whites Creek TN Relationship:  Fellow soldier My families prayers are with you all during this terribile time. I hope that in the coming days you can find peace. Billie Jean will be missed by all who knew her. Sent:  3/2/2010 Send an Online Condolence   View Printer-Friendly Page