David Michael Grassie

Ret. Major David (“Big Dave”) Michael Grassie, 52, passed away at his home in Valparaiso, Florida on May 11, 2022. He was surrounded by family, including his beloved wife Kelie and his children.

Dave was born on November 13, 1969, in Taunton, Mass., to Charles Stanton Grassie and Norma-Jeanne Finn. He joined the United States Air Force at age 17 and served for 27 years, becoming a highly decorated officer. His service included deployments in support of Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

Dave met the love of his life, Kelie, at Dighton-Rehoboth high school and married in 1989. They went on to have two children, Ryan and Cody, both of whom followed Dave into the Air Force.

After Dave retired from the Air Force, he and Kelie settled in the home of their dreams overlooking Tom’s Bayou. There, Dave made many happy memories enjoying life on the water with his family and his wide circle of friends. He loved his boat and enjoyed sharing his passion with others.

Dave was known for his quick wit and ability to crack a joke, and for making all feel like family. He was a deep friend to many and built lifelong friendships with those he served with in the Air Force and throughout his life on the Bayou.

Dave had a passion for all things mechanical and could fix anything. In his early years, he enjoyed racing and flying, then added boating as well as tinkering with any vehicle on wheels or on water.

Dave is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Kelie; his sons Ryan and Cody; his daughters-in-law Stephanie and Danielle; and his two beautiful granddaughters, Lenna and Evelyn. He is also survived by his mother, Norma-Jeanne Finn, and his stepfather, John Finn; his sister Bonnie Grassie-Hughes and her husband Dennis Hughes; his brother Charles Grassie and his partner Amy Diogo; his brother Jeffrey Grassie and his wife Lisa Marzilli; and 14 nieces and nephews. Dave was predeceased by his father, Charles Grassie.

Receiving hours will be Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home at 1405 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville, Florida. A Celebration of Life will follow at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Emerald Coast Hospice-Crestview, 550 West Redstone Avenue, Suite 310, Crestview, FL 32536.

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