John W. Grimes

John W. Grimes of Dawsonville, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the age of 86. John was born in Fletcher, North Carolina where he was the youngest of five children born to the late Robert Howell Grimes Sr. and Mary Mildred (Hatcher) Grimes on September 16, 1936.
John was a dutiful man - he wore many hats during his career and served his country, his family and the Lord. John grew up in Cordele, Georgia, and graduated in 1955 from Crisp County High School where he was recognized as both a Senior Superlative and as having the "Best Personality." In 1956, John joined the US Marine Corp and was based at Camp Lejeune where he specialized in federal administration. In 1959, the young Marine had the opportunity of a lifetime: he sang for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip when they arrived at Chicago's Monroe Harbor. He was described as "having the voice of an angel." John was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp as a Lance Corporal.
John attended East Carolina College, Oglethorpe University and Georgia Tech. He later met the love of his life, Sandra Hatcher. They were married in 1976 and together spent many years in harmony singing and performing with the Decatur Civic Chorus. He was a loving husband and a great uncle to his sibling's children.
He served as a Mason at Tucker Lodge No. 42 F. & A. M. and also served as a Shriner. John and Sandra moved to Dawsonville in 2005 where they were members of Grace Presbyterian Church in Dawsonville. John continued to use his natural born talent in the church choir.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Mildred Grimes; siblings, Robert H. Grimes Jr., Richard "Dick" Grimes, Leila (Grimes) Jackson, James M. Grimes. His memory will be cherished by his wife of 47 years, Sandra, many nieces and nephews, and extended family members and friends.
A committal service will be held on Monday, 10:00 AM, July 31, 2023, at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, Georgia 30114 with military honors. (Please note: arrive and park in the processional lane between 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM.)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Grimes family at www.nationalcremation.com/location/atlanta
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:
Good Shepherd Clinic of Dawson County
452 Highway 53 E #1009
Dawsonville, GA 30534