Jesse Grier leaves major estate gift to Murray State University

MURRAY, Ky. — Jesse Grier’s love for the people of Marshall County and the high value he placed on education led him to leave a major estate gift to help students at Murray State University obtain a college education.

George Long, attorney at Long & Long of Benton, Ky., and member of the Murray State University Foundation board of trustees, said he was honored to assist Grier in helping other students receive a quality education.

“Mr. Grier truly valued education and wanted to leave a lasting legacy through a scholarship endowment at Murray State to help the next generation of university students,” Long said. “I had the honor of working with Mr. Grier on his estate plans and I am deeply appreciative of his vision of helping others obtain a college education.”

Grier, the second son of an electrical engineer, was born June 3, 1922, near Pittsburgh, Pa. After graduating from Haverford College in 1942 he settled in Gilbertsville, Ky.

Grier spent his professional career as a chemical engineer with what was originally the Pennsylvania Salt Company, which later became PennWalt that in turn was purchased by a multinational corporation.

Grier was proud of his accomplishments in the 1970s designing compliance systems with the tougher environmental regulations that were required with passage of the Federal Clean Water Act. Grier was considered an expert in chlorine and is credited for developing several exclusive processes.

Grier’s love of Marshall County and its people was certain through his long life in the Bluegrass state. He enjoyed his home on Kentucky Lake, sailing, and spoke fondly of the spring wildflowers at his home, Iris Hill.

Grier’s parents retired and came to live with him at his home. He had many friends with whom he enjoyed playing golf at Calvert City Country Club.

A lifelong bachelor, Grier died on Dec. 24, 2007, and was pleased to help further a young person's education through this scholarship fund established in his name.

Bob Jackson, associate vice president of development and governmental relations said Grier’s gift will assist students financially in obtaining an education and will give them the opportunity leave a legacy as successful and gracious as Grier’s.

“Mr. Grier was an accomplished scientist and engineer and placed a great value on education,” Jackson said. “He left a wonderful legacy gift to assist future students through a major scholarship endowment. We are deeply grateful for Mr. Grier's vision in establishing a major endowment at his adopted university to help the next generation of students at Murray State University.”