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Ben Sylvester Grimes

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Ben Grimes Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 25, 2010.

BEN SYLVESTER
GRIMES, 96
Retired Builder,
Developer,
Real Estate Broker

AUBURNDALE - Mr. Ben Sylvester Grimes, age 96, passed away Monday, July 19, 2010 at the Palm Terrace Hospice House in Lakeland due to cancer.
Mr. Grimes was born March 26, 1914, in Jeann-ette, Pennsylvania to William Albert and Caroline (Keefer) Grimes. He moved to Auburndale in 1954 from Ashtabula, Ohio and became a builder, developer and real estate broker. He was active in his high school drama club and was a member of the wrestling team. Ben graduated in 1933 from Jeannette High School in Jeannette, PA. After graduation he was a promoter and participant in a champion roller hockey team. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Company 388 in Center Hill, PA. where he was a champion boxer in his weight class. He was the founder and president of the C.I.O. Labor Union Local 164 where he organized employees for Westmoreland Water Company. His enduring passion was golf. He was the longest tenured participating member of The Ridge Pro-Am for 50 plus years. He carded the first RPA hole in one at a Sebring Golf course on January 12, 1967. On August 14, 1997, the UP, AP, INS and Reuters wire services flashed "83 YEAR OLD MAN RECORDS REMARKABLE 20TH HOLE IN ONE AT FOUR LAKES COUNTRY CLUB'S 13TH HOLE WITH A 7 IRON". This announcement interrupted golf's U.S. Open Tournament broadcasted from Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. He was a United States Navy veteran working in the Naval ship repair unit in San Diego, CA. during World War II and was of the Protestant faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Eugena M. Grimes in Oct. 2006; 4 brothers; and 2 sisters. Mr. Grimes is survived by his loving family: 3 sons: William "Bill" A. (Jane) Grimes of Highlands, N.C., Thomas A. (Emily) Grimes of Auburndale, FL., Daniel Ben Grimes of Wewahitchka, FL; 2 daughters: Dianne (Jim) Calandra of Auburndale, FL, Sue Wagner of Auburndale; 9 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mr. Grimes name to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL., 33823. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2010 at the Kersey Funeral Home, 108 E. Lake Stella Drive, Auburndale.

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Recent Activity

July 30, 2010

Barb and Clyde Hill posted to the memorial.

July 29, 2010

Betsy & Chet Ambruoso posted to the memorial.

July 27, 2010

Patsy (Patti) (Mason)Winterbourne posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Barb and Clyde Hill

July 30, 2010

Mr Ben was the first neighbor to great us shortly after we purchased our home across the street from him. He came bearing a single rose and warm conversation. It was then I knew this was the right choice in our purchase.

It was back in June when I last got to see him and I wish that I had my camera closer to me. I happen to walk by a window in our home and saw him on his scooter . He had rolled it over the border that surrounded our Oak that had a large Yellow Support ribbon on it with our sons information on it for his deployment back in Iraq. Read what we had written on it then sat up straight in his chair and then proceeded to raise his right hand up .......he was giving Honor to another fellow Soldier. At that point I scurried to go get my camera yet I was too late................the moment was over. That is what I will remember.

There are other stories but those are for another time.

Our prayers go over to the Love ones that remain here.

Barb & Clyde Hill

Betsy & Chet Ambruoso

July 29, 2010

Ben has been a source of sunshine in our lives. A special "gentleman" who always brought a smile to our faces and to many others as well. My husband has enjoyed many years of golf with Ben and his cronies as my Dad, Bill Kilbourn did as well. Thanks for your sweet friendship old friend.

Patsy (Patti) (Mason)Winterbourne

July 27, 2010

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

July 25, 2010

Ben was a good friend of our family for so many years. My Mom and Dad introduced me to Ben on one of my trips to Florida. Ben golfed with Dad and their brothers regularly over the years. Ben was always such a nice gentleman with such a good personality and always a smile on that lovely face of his.

I shall miss him,
My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,
Regards,
Wendy Kilbourn