Donnie Grimes

Donnie Ray “Pappy” Grimes, a lifetime resident of the Mt. Joy Community passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, Nov 18, 2021, after a lengthy courageous battle with cancer.
Donnie was born Nov 14, 1946, to the late Arthur Lee “Doc” Grimes and Wilma “Winnie” Brannon Grimes. From a young age, Donnie had a knack of getting things to grow even in the worst conditions. It is said that whatever Donnie Ray planted in the soil at Mt. Joy would take hold and its roots would be strong. One of his greatest joys was planting a simple seed and watching it mature and grow into something mighty. He was like that in every aspect of his life. He enjoyed the simple things in life and enjoyed the fruits of his labors.
In 1966 Donnie answered the call and took the oath to defend his country in the United States Army. He wasn’t able to serve long before his father was diagnosed with cancer and he had to return to tend the family farm. During his military service, he was stationed in Fort Campbell KY, and Fort Sill, OK where he was a specialist on Persian missiles.
After his honorable discharge, he enrolled in Tennessee Tech Cookeville majoring in agriculture and chemistry. During this time he rekindled his love affair with Judy Black. Every weekend, holiday, and break he would find a way back to the farm and back to Judy. On Nov 18, 1967, Donnie and Judy finally wed and moved onto the family farm. Donnie took a job at Mobile Chemical Plant in the lab as a chemist and the following summer they gave birth to the first of three farmer’s daughters. .
Life on the farm was his joy but not his greatest gift. His wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were always his top priority and his greatest achievement. He was a man that believed in three things Faith, Family, and The Farm. He will from this point forward and forever be a part of the land he labored over for three-quarters of a century.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents Doc & Winnie Grimes, his brother Fred Lee Grimes, Sister Jeanette Woodward, and firstborn grandchild Will Clifton.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years Judy Ann Black Grimes, three daughters Wendy (Rusty) Benefield, Micki (Bo) Clifton and C.J. Grimes. 5 grandchildren Virginia Benefield, Bubba Clifton, Katie (Jordan) Hodges, Sam Andrews & Sawyer Andrews. 3 great-grandchildren Bentley, Oakley, & Skylee Hodges. He is also survived by special friend and neighbor Freddi McConnell.
Active pallbearers will be: Billy Grimes, Gary King, Richard Smith, Bubba Clifton, Jordan Hodges, Sam Andrews., Randy Bratton, and Dale Pugh.
Honorary Pallbearers: David Boyd, Kenny Ray Marlin, Freddie Mcconnell, Harold “Moe” Grimes and all co-workers for over 30 years from MOBILE Chemical Plant
The family will receive friends from 10 am until 1 pm at Williams funeral home Mt. Pleasant Saturday, Nov 20 with the funeral to follow at 1 pm.
Private family burial will be Bailey Cemetery, Mt. Joy. If you wish to honor Donnie’s memory with a monetary gift please send donations to: Bailey Cemetery, C/0 Mt. Joy Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8364 Mt. Joy Rd. Mt. Pleasant, TN 38474