Nov 30, 2017

Ernest Ray “Ernie” Grimes , 69, of Waynesburg, died Wednesday, November 29, 2017, due to complications from a heart procedure in Cleveland Clinic.

He was born November 27, 1948, a son Charles D. Grimes of Waynesburg and Freda Pyle of Jefferson. He was later adopted by his grandparents, the late Ernest E. and Ethel Grimes.

Mr. Grimes was a 1966 graduate of Jefferson-Morgan High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in November 1966. His first assignment was with the 60th Fighter Squadron at Otis Air Force Base in Cape Cod, where he worked in life support. He volunteered for Vietnam and served in Southeast Asia from February 1969 to February 1970. While stationed in Vietnam, he served with the 71st and 17th Special Operation Squadrons with the AC-119-G Shadow Gunships C-Flight, PCS: Tan Son Nhut and Nha Trang in life support, where he also underwent survival training and went on to teach escape and evasion tactics. When he got back stateside, he served at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va., with the AWACS test project.

He was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church in Lippencott, where he served as deacon and trustee and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the former choral group, “The Singing Churchmen,” of the Jefferson area.

Mr. Grimes worked as a coal miner for 31 years, and after retirement, he continued to work in the pipeline industry for several years.

He was a member of Centerville Sportsmen’s Club, where he served as treasurer. He enjoyed competitive shooting and won many medals and ribbons.

Mr. Grimes was a great friend to many. He was a strong and courageous warrior, whom so many people depended upon. He seemed to know how to take care of every problem and situation.

He also loved anything that flew, including aircraft, rockets and the NASA space program. He witnessed several space shuttle launches and one Shuttle landing. He loved to vacation in Cocoa Beach, Fla., so he could be close to the space coast. He enjoyed life to the fullest.

Those who knew him will all remember his good nature, warm smile, and the quick bounce in his step.

On April 26, 1974, he married Connie Martin, the love of his life and most trusted friend.

Surviving, in addition to his wife and parents, are two children, C.J. Grimes and wife Jeannie and Jennifer Grimes Withrow and husband Jason, and four grandchildren, Larkyn and Harper Grimes and Joey and Jaira Withrow, all of Waynesburg; two sisters, Charlotte Morris of Waynesburg and Mary Lou Rudolph of Jefferson; a brother, Thomas Riggle of Jefferson; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Deceased is a brother, Richard Grimes.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 182 West High Street, Waynesburg, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 4, with the Rev. Nick Bardo officiating, followed by interment in Bethlehem Cemetery, Ruff Creek. Graveside military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 330,Veterans of Foreign Wars 4793 and U.S. Air Force.

Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.