User:Jrgrismore/Draft1

 Michael Grismore 

Michael Allen "Mo" Grismore (December 7, 1984 – May 18, 2012), was a Junior Olympic table tennis champion, devoted Oklahoma State University alumnus, dedicated Ernst & Young accountant, and loving son, brother and husband. He won many awards in table tennis during his youth, including U.S. Junior Nationals and several Junior Olympics bronze and silver medals in singles and doubles. In 1996 Michael won the gold medal in Boys Under 12 Singles at the Superdome in New Orleans. During high school, in addition to being an excellent student, he was a talented tennis player, winning third place in the Oklahoma State Championship in 2003. His outgoing personality and positive attitude made it easy for him to make lasting friends, both on and off the court.

Early Life, Family and Friends
Michael Grismore was born on December 7, 1984 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to John and Theresa Grismore. His father worked as a geophysicist and his mother left her career as a computer analyst supervisor when Michael was born. Michael and his younger brother, David, lived their early years on an acreage east of Bartlesville. The open spaces promoted plenty of physical activity and lead naturally to an interest and participation in many sports activities. At age 6, Michael joined his first soccer team, but his season was cut short by a broken arm. Many successful soccer seasons followed. In addition, he participated in a variety of other organized sports, including T-Ball, basketball, and, of course, table tennis and tennis.

In 1996 Michael's family moved to a home in Bartlesville, where access to school, organized activities and friends was easier and more practical. This move opened many additional opportunities. His group of pre-school and grade school friends expanded as he moved into middle school and then high school. Even in college, this group remained close-knit, adding new friends along the way. These remained among Michael's best friends until his death.

On June 21, 2008 Michael married Heather Slate in Stillwater, Oklahoma. They made their home in Bartlesville, where Michael worked as an accountant for Ernst & Young, and Heather taught Special Education at Wayside Elementary.

Tennis & Table Tennis
While in second grade, Michael attended a table tennis demonstration which triggered an interest that grew into determined motivation. Before long he was practicing at the local Taylor-? Table Tennis Center and competing in tournaments.

In sixth grade? Michael's table tennis interest expanded to full court tennis.

Education
Michael attended grade school at Wayside Elementary in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Many of his life-long friendships were established there. In fourth grade he played the lead role of Curly in a school production of "Oklahoma!". Later he attended Central Middle School, followed by Bartlesville Mid High, and graduated from Bartlesville High School in 2003.

In 2003, Michael entered college at Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He received a Bachelor of Arts (Sciences?) Degree in Accounting in 2007 and a Master ??? Degree in 2008, both from OSU.

Career
In 2008 Michael accepted an accountant position with Ernst & Young in Bartlesville.