Benjamin Franklin Grimes

Benjamin Franklin Grimes, born November 26, 1915 to the late Willie F. Grimes and Addie Hood Grimes, of Smithfield died Monday, February 16th. After graduating from Smithfield High School and attending Lenoir Rhyne College he spent 20 years in the US Navy, 12 of which he served on submarines. He was married to Ruth Hurley Grimes in 1942 in Williamton. Mr. Grimes was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church where he took an active part, having taught the Men's Bible Class, serving as Chairman of the Administrative Board and President of Methodist Men. Equally active in the community, he was Past Master of the Masonic Lodge, Commander of the American Legion, VFW Member as well as a Boy Scout Leader. He was Director of the Smithfield Housing Authority for 17 years, and later served as the Chairman of the Housing Board. Ben was also a faithful member of the "Amen Corner".
Two brothers, John A. Grimes and Joseph L. Grimes, and five sisters, Sallie and Millie Grimes, Mattie Lee Grimes, Nellie Hood Arant, and Marion Crayton, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth Hurley Grimes; three children, Benjamin Franklin Grimes, Jr. of St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands, Dotty Dail of Charlotte, and Barbara Adams of Smithfield; six grandchildren, Jay Dail, Parker Dail, Scott Dail, Katie Adams Peters, Cydne Adams, Benjamin Adams; and great-granddaughter, Olivia Peters.
Visitation is scheduled at Underwood Funeral Home in Smithfield on Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. Services will be be held at Centenary United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 19th.
Memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church