Legendary car salesman, Steve ‘The Boss’ Grindstaff of Johnson City, Tennessee, has passed away, his family has announced.
Candace Grindstaff, Steve’s first wife, publicized the news in a post shared to Facebook on Monday, December 23, 2024.
“My former husband, Steve Grindstaff, passed away early this morning,” Candace shared. No cause of death was listed.
Steven Grindstaff ran the Automotive Group for decades, establishing it as one of the premier car dealerships in the United States. He founded it in 1987 and at its peak, operated over 14 dealerships in Elizabethton, Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City. He eventually operated five franchises – FORD, CHRYSLER, DODGE, and JEEP located in Elizabethton, and KIA, located in Johnson City. In 2019, he stepped down as President and C.O.O. of the Automotive Group and transferred both titles to his wife, Ashley Grindstaff.
Steve Grindstaff had a net worth of $10m at the time of his death, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Many people shared tribute to Steve on news of his death, with many praising him for his work ethic, professionalism and outright talent.
“Rest in peace to the Automotive Pioneer and my former boss Steve Grindstaff Sr. He was an amazing man who taught me a lot in the car business. He was my first boss in automotive. May his family find comfort during this terrible time. Rest in Peace Mr G.” one user wrote.
