Oct
19
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes Athens
4355 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605
Send FlowersOct
20
2:00 p.m.
Welcome Avenue Congregational Holiness Church
1140 Crawford Smithonia Road, Crawford, GA 30630
Send FlowersServices provided by
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home - EastOnly 2 hours left for delivery to next service.
Claude Neil Grimes, age 88, of Crawford, Georgia, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, October 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Bernice P. Grimes, his parents Paul and Lila Grimes, and brother, Paul A. Grimes.
Mr. Grimes is survived by his son Stanley N. Grimes (Daphne) and his daughter Deborah C. Miller (Rocky).
He also leaves behind four granddaughters: Lauren Acrey (Brad), Ashley House (Jonathan), Elisabeth Gibbon (Chase), and Sarah Black (Nate). In addition, he was Papa to eight great-grandchildren.
A lifelong resident of Oglethorpe County, Neil graduated from OCHS in 1955. After graduation, he entered the US Navy and served on active duty from 1955-1959.
For the remainder of his career, he worked in quality assurance at Westinghouse/ABB Athens. He was also a highly successful poultry farmer for over 30 years. Neil was a faithful member of Welcome Avenue Congregational Holiness Church. He served as a deacon, secretary, and treasurer for many years.
He enjoyed gardening and would never turn down a game of Pinochle. Neil was a wonderful neighbor who was always willing to help in any way he could.
He was a loving husband to his wife, Bernice. Neil raised his children to understand the importance of a relationship with the Lord and of being an active member of the local church. His legacy of faith lives on through the lives of his children and grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, October 19, at Lord and Stephens, East. The funeral service will take place at 2 PM on Monday, October 20, at Welcome Avenue Congregational Holiness Church in Crawford.
Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreInformation and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreOct
19
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes Athens
4355 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605
Send FlowersOct
20
2:00 p.m.
Welcome Avenue Congregational Holiness Church
1140 Crawford Smithonia Road, Crawford, GA 30630
Send FlowersServices provided by
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home - EastOnly 2 hours left for delivery to next service.