In Memory of John D Grimes

John was born November 30, 1933, in Opp, Alabama to Jacob Riley Grimes and Lucy May Brannen. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Annie Merle Capshaw.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carol Thornburg Grimes of Lake Wales. Three children, Linda Grimes Porter (Garry) of St. Augustine Beach, Kari Grimes Dailey (Thomas) of Avon Park, and John Michael “Mike” Grimes (Tami) of Lakeland.

He has nine grandchildren: Jonathan Porter (Emily), Chase Porter (Claire), Anna Porter Simpson (Kirk), Alyssa Porter (Chris Ulmer), Mitch Hoak (Brooke), Chelsea Koch (Aaron), Rebecca Grimes Leitzke (Eric), Holly Grimes (Travis Gilliam), and J. Michael Grimes (Bayley Porter); and 10 great grandchildren, with two more on the way.

John started his career as a licensed optician with Dr. C.P. Ezell O.D. in Lake Wales in 1953.  In 1983 he joined the practice of Dr. Willard Pearce O.D. and Scenic Optical of Lake Wales. He remained with Dr. Pearce until his retirement in 1997, returning part time due to patient requests.

He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Lake Wales serving as a Sunday School teacher and a Deacon. He later moved his membership to the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales. He was an active volunteer with the Black Hills Passion Play for its tenure in Lake Wales and was a former member of the Lake Wales Kiwanis Club.

After his retirement He and Carol traveled the United States. He was an avid birdwatcher and member of the Audubon Society.  Birdhouses and feeders abound in the Southeast United States which originated in his woodworking shop.

His greatest joy in life was his family.

A Memorial Service is planned for 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 23, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales. Visitation will be from 10-11am prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s name to the non-profit SBSK (Special Books by Special Kids).

To learn more about the organization and their disability advocacy work please visit SBSK.org or Facebook.com/specialbooksbyspecialkids