Roger Grimes

Kinston- Roger Carol Grimes, 87, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the Korean War, died peacefully at home in Kinston, Tuesday, April 26, 2022.
A Funeral Service will be conducted Friday at 2 pm in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, 702 N. Queen Street. Pastors Merritt Watson and Hank Jarman will be officiating. Following the funeral service, the graveside committal will take place at Pinelawn Memorial Park located at 4488 U.S. 70, Kinston, NC 28504. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and other times at the home.
Born January 24, 1935, in Kinston to the late Dora Bowen Grimes and Robert Grimes, he was a graduate of Southwood High School. His life's work involved farming, including tobacco, corn, and soybeans. He worked a short time as an attendant with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Weigh Station in Kinston. For many years he enjoyed owning and operating Wendi's, a local hot dog stand, with his wife, Virginia. Roger worked as a clerk with the United States Postal Service. One of his many passions was auctioneering. He worked with Knott's Tobacco Warehouse in Kinston and proudly served as a tobacco auctioneer with the Burley Tobacco Market in London, Kentucky. Roger also loved auctioneering for local churches' harvest festivals.
Many people knew him, if not from farming, cooking, church, or playing ball or cards, they knew him from his famous footsteps on the roof of their home or barn. He and his crew spent many a day heating up the tar kettles to stop leaks in homes across eastern North Carolina. In fact, his children recall him saying to their mother, when she complained about cleaning tar off the floors of their home, "tar bought it and tar will buy another one."
Roger was a man of few words. But, if you knew him, you knew he loved his family more than anything. After losing his parents at a young age, he and his wife, Virginia vowed to love one another and their family. They have been married for 65 years. Roger also loved cooking. He cooked for his family, his friends, his church, Southwood Memorial Christian Church, and the Southwood Volunteer Fire Department. He and Virginia loved cooking when their grandchildren visited.
One of the many things he loved was playing basketball and cards. There is nothing he enjoyed more than watching his children and grandchildren play ball. He might even sneak in a wager or two for the winning team. If you ever visited their home, Roger could be found in his favorite chair watching the big game on television. He could not have been any prouder than when his grandson, Jordan, began working for the Charlotte Hornets.
A member of Southwood Memorial Christian Church, Roger served the Church in many capacities. He has served as the Chairman of the Board, an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and Sunday School Teacher. He also loved singing in the choir.
Roger was very involved in his Southwood Community serving many years as the President of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and member of the Deep Run Water Corporation.
Roger is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Virginia Worley Grimes; one son, David and wife Deborah of Emerald Isle; two daughters, Tammy Grimes, and Connie Grimes Kennedy and husband, Billy all of Kinston; five grandchildren, Daniel Grimes and his fiance' Elizabeth Milks of Raleigh; Jordan Grimes and wife, Lauren of Charlotte; Taylor Kennedy, Madison Kennedy, and Braxton Kennedy all of Kinston; and one great-granddaughter, Mollie Rae Kennedy of Kinston.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the care given by 3HC Home Health and Hospice Care, Inc. The family would also like to thank the many friends and family for the cards, visits, calls, food, and endless support throughout this journey. We are extremely grateful for our wonderful church family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Southwood Memorial Christian Church Choir at 1027 NC-58, Kinston, NC 28504.