Eugene Grimes

GRIMES, EUGENE, age 96 of Pell City, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021. He is survived by his sons, Michael Grimes and Tommy Grimes (Julie); daughter, Lynda Grimes Lepkowski (Larry); grandchildren, Jarrod Grimes, Alex Grimes and Aubrie Ellen Grimes Rorer (Brian); and great-grandchildren, Corbin Grimes and Keira Grimes. Gene was born in Birmingham, but grew up just outside of Tuscaloosa, in Alberta City and then Coker, Al. He attended Tuscaloosa County High School where he played trumpet in the marching band. He was drafted into the Navy in May, 1943 and became one of “The Greatest Generation” serving in World War II as a crewman (radio/gunner) in Patrol Bombing Squadron 27 (PB-27) during the campaign across the Pacific as we fought the Japanese and subsequently dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After his naval service, he returned to Tuscaloosa and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Alabama as well as a Master’s Degree later in his life. He was a lifelong Alabama Crimson Tide fan. He began his career with Liberty National Life Insurance in Florence, Alabama after moving there from Holly Pond where he was a school principal and met his wife Doris James. Gene transferred to the home office for Liberty National in Birmingham and worked there as a manager in the records and claims department rising to become an Officer in the company. He served Liberty National for 27 years. Gene’s hobbies included gardening, buying and selling equipment and cars and being out on Lake Logan Martin. His last years were spent in Pell City, Alabama. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Elmwood Cemetery beginning at 2:00.