Raymond "Ray" Floyd Grimes

Raymond Floyd Grimes, “Ray,” 79, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on January 10, 2024, in Fort Smith, AR, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 14,1944, to Elmer and Gladys Grimes of Altus, AR. He graduated with honors from Altus Denning High School. He attended college at Arkansas Tech University before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Ray volunteered to join combat operations in Vietnam in 1967 and was second in his class during training. He was stationed at the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe, Hawaii, prior to his transfer to Chu Lai Air Base in northern Vietnam where he served as an Aircraft Mechanic with Launch and Recovery. He achieved the rank of Corporal and received numerous medals and honors during his 3 1/2 years of service, among them the “Combat V (Valor)” medal. After his military service, he returned to Arkansas where he met his beloved wife, Tricia Claghorn Grimes of Fort Smith, AR. He worked in the finance industry before retiring and devoting himself to his family.

He cherished time with his family and will be remembered for his contagious humor, his love for God, and service to his country. He enjoyed being active outdoors, working with his hands, listening to country music, and he very much cherished his time as a stay at home dad and husband. In addition, his kind and sensitive nature was demonstrated in his care of many lucky dogs throughout the years. He was a nurturing, gentle, hardworking, and supportive man. The world was lucky to have such an example of what being a good human really means, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife Tricia Grimes of Fort Smith, AR, son Kevin and his grandson Bennett Ray of Bentonville, AR, son Chris and his wife Amanda of Houston, TX, his brother Jessie “Pat” Grimes and wife Kaye of Fort Smith, AR; his nephew, Timothy Grimes and his children Haley and Lucas of Fort Smith, AR; one sister Ruby Spencer and husband Alfred Spencer of Paris, AR. He is preceded in death by his father, Elmer Grimes; his mother, Gladys Grimes; two sisters, Alice “Jane" Perry, and Erma King; and one brother, William “Bill” Grimes.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 17 from 5pm - 7pm at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith, AR. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 18 beginning 12pm at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith, AR, with his long-time family friend Edwin Armer presiding.

Interment will be at the Fort Smith National Cemetery with a graveside military honors ceremony directly after the service for those who would like to attend.

Pallbearers include Terry Masingale, Jerry Howe, Timothy Grimes, Rick Helmer Jr, David Pennington, and Kiley Barter.

In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Ray’s life, the family asks that any donations be made to Disabled Veteran Americans (DAV) at www.dav.org.