Nolan Grills Obituary, Newbern, TN: Newbern Elementary Student Dies at 10 After Courageous Medical Journey
Nolan died Monday, September 14, 2026, at his home in Newbern, Tennessee. He was born May 8, 2016, in Dyersburg and was the son of Andrew “Andy” Grills and Jennifer Townson Grills.
Nolan Michael Grills Dies at 10 in Newbern, Tennessee
NEWBERN, Tenn. — Family members, classmates, teachers, church members and the wider Dyer County community are mourning the passing of 10-year-old Nolan Michael Grills, a Newbern Elementary School student remembered for his courage and strong faith.
According to an obituary published by Johnson-Williams Funeral Home, Nolan died Monday, September 14, 2026, at his residence in Newbern.
Nolan was born May 8, 2016, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, to Andrew “Andy” Grills and Jennifer Townson Grills.
He attended Newbern Elementary School and was a faithful member of Faithway Baptist Church in Troy, Tennessee.
Nolan Remembered for His Courage and Faith
Nolan's official obituary describes a difficult medical journey that began a little more than a year before his passing.
Throughout that journey, he demonstrated determination that made a lasting impression on the people around him. His family remembered how he continued to smile and maintain a positive outlook even during difficult periods.
His Christian faith also occupied an important place in his young life.
According to the funeral-home tribute, Nolan enjoyed speaking to others about Jesus and looked for opportunities to share his faith. His family said his beliefs were reflected not only in what he said but also in the way he lived.
His strength became a source of inspiration for relatives, friends, teachers, church members and others who came to know his story.
A Newbern Elementary Student Who Loved Sports
Away from school and his medical journey, Nolan enjoyed being an active young sports fan.
He participated in Newbern Youth Sports, playing both flag football and baseball.
Nolan was also a supporter of the Tennessee Volunteers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His interests extended beyond sports. He loved visiting the mountains and going to theme parks, where riding roller coasters was among his favorite activities.
Those details provide a glimpse of the childhood experiences and interests his family and friends can continue to remember.
Nolan's Family and Loved Ones
Nolan leaves behind his parents, Andrew and Jennifer Grills of Newbern, and his sister, Sydney Grills.
His surviving family also includes grandparents Perry and Patricia Grills, grandmother Susan Townson and great-grandmother Carolyn Hendren, along with extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, David Townson Sr.
For his family, Nolan's death brings the difficult loss of a son, brother, grandson and loved one whose life touched many people despite his young age.
Medical Team Thanked for Supporting Nolan
Nolan's family expressed special appreciation to his medical team at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the nurses with Caris Healthcare.
The family thanked those healthcare professionals for the care, compassion and support provided to Nolan and his loved ones throughout his medical journey.
The published obituary does not specifically state Nolan's diagnosis or an official cause of death. For that reason, reports describing a particular disease as his confirmed cause of death should be treated cautiously unless additional information is released by his family or another authoritative source.
Funeral Services Announced for Nolan Grills
Funeral services for Nolan Michael Grills are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Dyersburg, Tennessee.
Rev. Ken Avery, Hunter Grills and Rev. Mike Hickman are scheduled to officiate.
Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Newbern.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 18, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Dyersburg.
A second visitation period will take place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral begins at 11:00 a.m.
The family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the Landon Clay Foundation in Troy, Tennessee.
Dyer County Community Remembers Nolan
Nolan's passing comes during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, when Newbern Elementary and other Dyer County schools have been participating in activities supporting childhood cancer awareness.
The loss of a young student can be deeply felt throughout a school community, affecting classmates, educators, coaches, friends and families.
Nolan's published obituary portrays a child whose faith, determination, enthusiasm for sports and positive attitude remained important parts of his identity throughout his medical challenges.
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