It was at this time that Grant discovered that Cash had embezzled retirement funds set aside for Grant and Luther Perkins. In 1980, Grant filed suit against Cash for wrongful dismissal and for embezzlement of retirement funds. A lawsuit against Cash for slander was also considered. In coincidental action, Luther Perkins' daughters from his first marriage filed suit against Cash for embezzlement of retirement funds. Both lawsuits were eventually settled out-of-court. Despite the bitter legal battles, the two men later reconciled. Grant contends that he was probably Cash's closest and most trusted friend; indeed, he played a critical role in helping Cash along when Cash's drug problems threatened his career and his life. Grant made a final appearance onstage with Cash in 1999 as an original member of The Tennessee Two. Later career Following his career with Cash, Grant managed the Statler Brothers until their retirement in 2002. He last lived in Hernando, Mississippi, with his wife. Grant's autobiographical book I Was There When It Happened: My Life With Johnny Cash was published in October 2006. It is a behind-the-scenes story of their beginnings and rise to fame. He "laid down [his] bass for the last time" at the Brooks Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, in August 2010. "Etta's Tune" included on Rosanne Cash's 2014 album, The River and the Thread, is dedicated to Grant and his wife. Powerboat Racing For many years, Grant owned and raced outboard powerboats. His teams included notable drivers such as Dick Pond, Charlie Bailey and Billy Seebold. Often, members of the Johnny Cash band would work in Grant's pit crews. Grant's distinctive boats were most appropriately given such names as "Ring of Fire" and "A Boat Named Sue" among others of his personal musical references. Walk The Line Marshall Grant is played by Larry Bagby in the 2005 film, Walk the Line Death Marshall Grant died at the age of 83 on August 7, 2011 while in Jonesboro, Arkansas attending a festival to restore the childhood home of Johnny Cash. References 1928 births 2011 deaths People from Bryson City, North Carolina American double-bassists Male double-bassists Sun Records artists American country bass guitarists American male bass guitarists People from Hernando, Mississippi Slap bassists (double bass) 20th-century American guitarists People from Bessemer City, North Carolina The Tennessee Three members