Detective R. Hale said Nelson Person, who lives in the Bowers Road area of Littleton, was last seen by family members after he dropped his grandson off in the Ringwood Road area Wednesday around 5:30 p.m.
He was reported missing Thursday after family didn't hear from him. Hale said Person typically stays in contact with family.
The detective said Person mentioned something to his grandson about either dropping off a chainsaw to have it repaired or picking it up after being repaired. Investigators are contacting businesses in the area which do that work.
Hale said family members said Person doesn't have any cognitive impairments.
Investigators are hoping for a break in the weather today to dispatch a state Highway Patrol helicopter to conduct a search.
In a statement, Chief Deputy Scott Hall said Person was driving a blue, 1991 Ford truck with North Carolina tags WTT-5569. The truck has amber lights mounted on the roof and possibly a dealership plate on the front of the vehicle.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Hale at 252-578-4497 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.