Matthew Ryan Grinstead

In Loving Memory of Matthew Ryan Grinstead

Matthew Ryan Grinstead, age 48, of Dothan, AL, passed away on October 9, 2026.

Born on December 26, 1977, in Dothan, AL, Matt was the beloved son of Dana and Michael Eidson. Early in his life, Matt had a strong bond with his maternal grandparents, his “Granny & Pop,” who played a big part in supporting Matt throughout his life. When their time came, Matt was there for them. Through the years, though, you would often hear his hilarious impersonations of them both.

There was one special place where Matt found joy: Suwannee, FL. Matt spent his early years down on the Suwannee River, fishing with his Pop during summers and holidays.

Throughout his life, Matt was known for being the life of the party and for always being able to make you laugh. You could have just met Matt, and he would have you laughing immediately.

Matt lived a life filled with a wide range of interests. An avid reader, he also enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, golf, and Alabama football.

Matt was always a “Mr. Fix It.” If you needed something fixed, not only would he show up, but 99% of the time, he would get it fixed.

Matt was talented, well-read, and hardworking. He worked in sales for most of his life, along with many other interesting jobs. At the time of his passing, Matt worked with his Uncle Tim and Aunt Amy at Carrier Transicold as a refrigeration technician, a skill he learned from his Uncle Tim while in Orlando.

In 2007, when Matt became a father, he accepted Christ and was baptized. He loved the Lord and was confident in his salvation.

Above all, Matt treasured his children. He was a faithful supporter of all of their activities, even when he didn’t want to be and when his wallet took the hit.

Brooklyn was his firstborn and proudest accomplishment, even though she betrayed him and attended Auburn University.

Bryant was his best friend, giving Matt a taste of his own medicine with many a teenage-boy hijink.

Brett shared many adventures with Matt, who supported all of Brett’s latest obsessions, whether they involved helicopters, Elvis, or golf, to name a few.

Matt is survived by his children, Brooklyn, Bryant, and Brett Grinstead; his parents, Dana and Michael Eidson; his brother, Ross (Kasey) Eidson; his nieces, Harper and Addie Eidson; his sister, Madeline (Judson) Buchanan; his niece, Birdy Buchanan; and his paternal grandparents, Wayne and Mary Nell Eidson. He is also survived by numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

Matt (Talmadge) also had a group of lifelong friends—Adam (Corbin) Corbin, Jason (Ezell) McCord, Jason (Chicken Leg) Martin, and Matt Heard—who remained close throughout his life and were accomplices to many shenanigans.

Matt was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wes (Pop) and Dolores (Granny) Grinstead, and his cousin, Townsend Thomas.

Visitation will be held on October 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bryant Grinstead, Adam Corbin, Jason Martin, Adam McCord, Matt Heard, and Daniel Driggers.

Flowers are welcome but not necessary. If you feel compelled, please reach out to the family about how you can help support his children.