Thomas Larkin Grimes

1959 - 2019

Lubbock - Thomas Larkin Grimes passed away January 21, 2019. A time of fellowship and remembrance is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2019 at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life of 59 years at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Thomas Larkin Grimes was born on December 9, 1959 to Roy Thomas and Jerry Freeman Grimes in Lubbock, Texas. Growing up, Tommy was an avid Boy Scout working his way through the ranks and obtaining the coveted rank of Eagle Scout in 1978. He continued his love of scouts as an adult as Scoutmaster of Troop 505 and earned his Wood Badge Award. He graduated from Monterey High School and Texas Tech University with a bachelor's degree in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management. He worked in management at several local restaurants including the 50 Yard Line and Harrigan's, but his specialty was opening new restaurants that included Souper Salad as front manager, ZuZu's as general manager, kitchen manager at Joe's Crab Shack in Lubbock and in 1997 was promoted to general manager. He then transferred to Dallas to open and manage the Joe's Crab Shack in the West End District. After returning to Lubbock in July 2001, Tommy designed and opened the new Stonegate Restaurant and Bar and finally joined the Texas Tech management staff of Skyviews as Senior Dining Manager in 2002. A desire of Tommy's was always to have his own restaurant and the Tiger Drive-In in Wolfforth fulfilled that dream. Later, Tommy obtained Flatliner Striping and Pavement Services and enjoyed the flexibility of owning his own business. Tommy loved his family deeply and was a true friend to everyone he met.

Survivors include his mother, Jerry F. Grimes; sisters, Cathy Moore and husband, Don; Cindy Mattson and husband, Ron; and Susan Mitchell and husband, Tem; nieces and nephews, Brandi and Rusty DeWaters, Seth Mattson, Marlee Tavenner and husband, Austin; Conor and Ryen Moore; Aunts and Uncle, Jimmy and Patsy Freeman and Novie Gilbert and several cousins. Also, there were close family friends that were always there when he needed them, the Harry and JoAnne Born Family, his scouter friends, and Cody McNeal who all walked this journey with Tommy as he fought his battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Our family is indebted to them.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Thomas Grimes; paternal grandparents, Roy Larkin and Jeanette Grimes; maternal grandparents, Ray and Kate Freeman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BSA Troop 505 in c/o Lakeridge United Methodist Church 4701 82nd, Lubbock, 79424; the Texas Tech College of Education Roy T. Grimes Scholarship in c/o of COE, Box 41071 Lubbock, 79409; or donor's favorite charity. Family and friends are invited to share memories and expressions of sympathy, and view Thomas Larkin Grimes' life tribute at www.memorialdesigners.net.