Mr. Charles P. Grimes

February 18, 1929 - October 15, 2013

Charles Phillip Grimes, 84, of Elberton, GA, passed away on October 15, 2013, after a lengthy illness. Grimes, born February 18, 1929, in Goosepond , GA, was the oldest of four sons of the late Polly Ernest and Joseph Grimes. After his family moved from Oglethorpe County to Elbert County, Grimes graduated as salutatorian from Falling Creek School and attended Emmanuel College until 1947 when his father's death required him to quit to help support his mother and three younger brothers. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1950-1952. Following an honorable discharge, Grimes returned to Elberton and began his career in the granite industry. In 1959, he and his brother Carl Grimes started Grimes Brothers Granite Company, which manufactured monuments and markers and included a quarry. The company was a Elberton Granite Association (EGA) member from 1962 until his retirement in 2012. Over the years, Grimes served on the EGA board, as well as the Granite Sales and Supply board. Along with his friend from childhood, Billy Lester, Grimes was a Southern Republican long before it was popular and was recognized for his dedication by the Elbert County Republican Party in 2011. Grimes had a passion for learning which he instilled in his children and was proud of the fact that all four graduated from college, two with advanced degrees. His hobbies included taking flying lessons, piloting and owning small airplanes. In 1972, he began traveling to Anderson, SC, several times a week to learn karate under the direction of Billy Hong of the Tae Kwon Do Institute in Anderson. He obtained his first-degree Dan Black Belt in 1977. His enjoyment of karate led others in the Elberton area to take up the sport. He received numerous awards including the Presidential Sports Award for Karate in 1973 and the Outstanding Student Award in 1978. Grimes was also a 60-year mason with the Philomathea Lodge No. 25, F&AM of Elberton. Like the Albert Finney character in the movie Big Fish, Grimes could tell stories for hours on any number of topics from torn out articles he kept filed in his pockets and claimed he was married -- for 49 years -- to the prettiest girl in town, the late Clara Jo Edwards of Monroe. He is survived by his three daughters: Julie Grimes and son-in-law Mark Fagerburg of Richmond, VA; Carol Grimes Evans and son-in-law Joby Evans of Atlanta; Beth Grimes Theus and son-in-law Dan Theus of Memphis, TN; and one son, Philip E. Grimes of Whittier, CA. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Alia Fagerburg, Bridger and Lea Evans, and Joshua and Megan Theus; a brother, Norman Grimes of Elberton; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Carl Grimes and Douglas Grimes. Visitation was held on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013 at Hicks Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. A graveside service was held on Thursday, October 17, 2013, at 3:30 p.m. at Elmhurst Cemetery. Rev. Jack McVeigh officiated. Pallbearers were Mike Haley, Bridger Evans, Joby Evans, Mark Fagerburg, Mitch Lowery, Dan Theus and Joshua Theus, and Charles E. Grimes. Hicks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements for Mr. Charles P. Grimes.