William Gerald Grimes

William Gerald Grimes, 85, left his horse racing dreams to dance with the angels on Thursday, November 20 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his mother Martha Tiner, father L.H. Grimes, and brother Ed Grimes. To all of those who knew him, he never quit working, even after retiring from the wholesale produce business where he was the founder of The Market Company in North Little Rock. After he sold his business he began his “hobby” of horse ownership and training. Eventually, he incorporated his produce background on the backside of Oaklawn Park by selling carrots to fellow horse owners and trainers. To them he became known as “The Carrot Man”. He cherished his visits with people and was never short of something to say. He is survived by his only child, Debbie Jines (Gene) and her mother, Jean Grimes, one granddaughter, Dr. Ashley McMillan (Jaycob), an anticipated great granddaughter, Lennox due in February, all of Little Rock, one brother, Robert Grimes (Francie) of Jacksonville, step-father Tom Tiner of Hot Springs, and his close companion, Bonnie McDonald of Hot Springs. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22 at Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Graveside funeral service will be Sunday, November 23 at 1:00 PM, in the outdoor chapel of Griffin Leggett-Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock, with Rev. Siegfrid Johnson officiating under the direction of Gross Funeral Home. A very special thanks to Arkansas Hospice, and his wonderful caregivers, Alan Love, Gina, Merlie, and Rose. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Oaklawn Park Chaplaincy, PO Box 20564, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71903 or your favorite charity. The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.grossfuneralhome.com.