George Grimes, 72, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 21, 2017, at Countrywood Manor in Mantachie, MS, after a long battle with cancer. George was born on August 30, 1944, in Tupelo to Jane McFerrin Grimes and George Manard Grimes. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He lived his early years in New Albany and Mantachie. He graduated as valedictorian of Mantachie High School in 1963.
His lifetime interest in math and science led him to attend Itawamba Junior College (now ICC) and the University of Mississippi where he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Since graduation he resided in Fulton and was employed by the Mississippi Department of Transportation at Tupelo, serving 40 years in various positions. He was deeply involved in Mississippi’s 1987 long-range highway construction program, which was one of the most comprehensive in the country.
He and his wife Julia traveled extensively, particularly in this country and Europe. They also enjoyed several cruises and vacations with their family. “Papa George” loved to spend time with his family, especially his four grandchildren.
He was a longtime active member of the Fulton United Methodist Church, serving in many areas including Board of Trustees, Administrative Board Chairman, Pastor-Parish Relationship Committee, Finance Committee and President of the Men’s Club. He and his wife Julia especially enjoyed participating in the Travis E. Staub Sunday School Class.
Services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, at the Fulton United Methodist Church with the Rev. Phillip Box officiating. Burial will be in the Stephens Cemetery in Mantachie. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home of Fulton is entrusted with arrangements.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Julia Raburn Grimes; their daughter Julie Grimes Waldorf (Michael) of New York City; their son Mark Grimes (Jill) of Houston, Texas; two grandsons Jonathan and Hayden Waldorf of New York City; and two granddaughters Jane and Molly Grimes of Houston, Texas.
George was preceded in death by his parents Jane and Manard Grimes and his brother Charles Grimes.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 22, at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Fulton and from 2 p.m. until service time Wednesday, August 23, at Fulton United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be shared with the Grimes family at mcneecemorrisfuneralhome.com.
