John Grice Sr.

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Funeral Service will be Live-Streamed on Saturday, January 10, 2026 - 9:45 AM EST. Visit the Tribute Wall above to view the Live/Recorded Webcast.
A Legacy of Love, Faith, and Family
In Loving Memory of John Grice Sr.
John Grice Sr.'s life was a testament to quiet strength, unwavering faith, and unconditional love. Born on June 4, 1933, in Marion, South Carolina, to the late Austin L. Grice Sr. and Naomi Israel Grice, John's journey began rooted in strong values, humility, and a deep sense of purpose and principles that guided him throughout his life. John received his early education in Marion, South Carolina, and graduated from Marion High School before honorably entering the United States Army.
At a young age, John accepted Christ as his personal Savior, a decision that shaped every chapter of his life. He was a dedicated and faithful servant of God who worshiped at Israel Memorial AME Church in Newark, New Jersey, where he served for many years before joining St. Mark's AME Church, where he continued his commitment to faith and service. His faith was not only professed but lived daily through service, kindness, and devotion.
John was also deeply committed to his community and social justice, exemplified by his lifelong membership in the NAACP. He believed in standing for what was right, advocating for equality, and leaving the world better than he found it.
On June 28, 1958, John married the love of his life, Geneva "Jean" Hardy. Their union of 60 years was a beautiful example of partnership, devotion, and enduring love. Together, they built a home grounded in faith, respect, and family, raising two children, John D. Grice Jr. and Dawn Grice-Livingston, who remain his greatest pride.
A hardworking provider, John led by example. Whether managing Julius Liquors, working at Food Fair, retiring from Merck, or operating his own painting business, he approached every endeavor with integrity, discipline, and an entrepreneurial spirit ahead of his time. His work ethic was matched only by his generosity and willingness to help others.
Above all, John's heart belonged to his family, especially his grandchildren. They were his joy, his bragging rights, and his legacy in motion. He spoke of them often, attended their soccer games and school events, and cherished every moment spent watching them grow. His stories of Marion, his Southern roots, and his life journey were gifts he shared freely, ensuring that his history would live on through those he loved.
In his leisure time, John found great joy in life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed walking and biking through his neighborhood, tending to his landscape with care and pride, and spending quiet moments outdoors. One of his greatest joys was sitting with his neighbors in his screened-in porch, sharing conversation, laughter, and companionship. He also loved fishing, traveling back to Marion, South Carolina, taking family vacations to Martha's Vineyard, and playing Bid Whist, especially with his number one partner and best friend, the late Jerry Hill. Above all, John cherished time spent surrounded by loved ones.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Geneva "Jean" Grice; his parents, Austin L. Grice Sr. and Naomi Israel Grice; his sister, Berletha Burton, and his brother, Austin Grice Jr. His legacy lives on in the strength of his family, the faith he instilled, the lives he touched, and the love he shared so freely.
He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his son, John D. Grice Jr.; his daughter, Dawn Grice-Livingston; (Troy) his grandchildren, Jade Livingston-Hoying, (Charlie) Bree Livingston, and Micah Livingston; his godchildren, Ruthie Martin and Jerry Hill Jr.; his special nephews, Rudy Burton and Carl Finley; close friend Bruce Smith along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
John Grice Sr. will forever be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, faithful servant of God, community advocate, and a man whose life was defined not by accolades, but by impact. His legacy is written in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, and it will endure for generations to come.
"Let your light so shine that others may see your good works and glorify our Father in Heaven."
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