John R. "JR" Grine

John R. "JR" Grine, age 75, of Ney, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, following a sudden illness. John was a distributor for Pepsi Cola for about 20 years where he received many monthly sales awards and was also named salesman of the year. He later owned Main Street Bar & Grill in Ney for around eight years. He also was an owner operator truck driver with JR Grine Trucking. JR was also a U.S. Army veteran where he earned the rank of Sargent, and was currently serving his 12th year as a Washington Township Trustee.

JR was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church and the Farmer American Legion. He trained thoroughbred race horses for many years. He enjoyed traveling including annual trips to Smoky Mountain National Park and Cade's Cove, he was an avid Ohio State buckeyes fan, an excellent cook, a quick wit with a great sense of humor and loved a good debate.

John R. Grine was born on May 19, 1949, in Defiance, Ohio, the son of Robert J. and AnnaBelle (Donley) Grine. He married Susan "Sue" Eding on July 1, 1995, and she survives.

JR is also survived by his children, Tim (Cyndee) Grine, of Ney, Penny Jean (Mike) Shreve, of Holgate and Matt (Nikki) Grine, of Bryan, Chad Whitcomb, of Rockwall, Texas and Brook (Sean) German, of Heath, Texas; 10 grandchildren, Baylee, Jackson, Kody, Garrett, Mikayla, Brett, Evan, Damon, Alexis and Lauren; sisters-in-law, Linda Grine, of Bryan and Jeannie (Gene) Nichols, of Reading, Michigan, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jacob "Jake" Grine and Doug Grine.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, from 3-7 p.m. at the Krill Funeral Home, 860 W. Mulberry St., Bryan followed by a recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 6324 Ohio 15, Defiance, OH 43512 with the Rev. George Wenzinger officiating. Military rites will be presented by the Farmer American Legion.

Memorials are requested to the Farmer American Legion or Fort Defiance Humane Shelter.

To sign the online register or to send condolences, please visit www.krillfuneralservice.com.