Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Grimes Obituary
Dr. William Thomas Grimes, Jr., the son of the late Rev. and Mrs. W.T. Grimes, Sr., departed this life on June 11, 2020 after a courageous battle with failing health. He was 77 years old and was known to be compassionate, honest and committed to a life of service.
He was a native of Rocky Mount, NC, where he graduated as Valedictorian of the 1960 Class of Booker T. Washington High School. He attended Clark College in Atlanta, GA, graduated with a BS degree in biology and later an MS degree in zoology from West Virginia University. He integrated Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, NC, where he became its first African American student & earned his MD degree in 1972.
Dr. Grimes completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA. After residency, he transferred to US Munson Army Medical Center, Ft. Leavenworth, KS where he completed his military obligations and resigned.
Upon returning to the Seattle area, Dr. Grimes joined the medical staffs at Overlake and Evergreen Medical Centers and had a Private Internal Medicine practice in Bellevue for 29 years. As a Senior AME Physician for the FAA, he has continued to do pilot exams.
He held memberships in numerous professional and business societies. He was a member and former president of Bellevue Rotary. He was on the boards of several community outreach and humanitarian organizations such as Eastside Human Services Council, and Custom Industries for disabled adults for which he served as Chairman. In 1996, he helped found and opened the Bellevue RotaCare Free Clinic and continued to volunteer as the Medical Coordinator providing healthcare for those with the greatest needs.
Dr. Grimes is survived by his wife of 42 years, Elizabeth Anne Grimes; sister, Janice Grimes Lewis of Augusta, GA, many nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and a host of additional extended family members and close friends.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in his memory to Bellevue Rotary Foundation, Southern Poverty Law Center or Clark Atlanta University.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Grimes
Sponsored by The Family.
SL
November 25, 2025
I thought of Dr. Grimes recently because we used to work together at US Healthworks; so I looked him up. I'm truly saddened to learn of his passing. He was a temperamental man, but was very kind to me. I always enjoyed seeing him in clinic. I remember him telling me about his trips in his RV when not working, which sounded so nice. He taught me a great deal about medicine early in my career and was an excellent resource. Thank you Sir for your guidance and support. You impacted my early medical career and I will always remember you fondly.
Robert Davis
June 16, 2025
Still missing you Tommy. Proud to be your line brother in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and classmate in the class of 1964 at Clark College. RIP.
Robert Davis
June 18, 2024
Still missing you Tommy.
Gregory Waters
January 24, 2023
I absolutely loved Dr. Grimes there wasn´t more than a month that I wouldn´t think of him from 2004-Just now 2023 I thought he would live forever! I´ve always lived just a mile away from him and just knowing he was there helped me so much!! He was my primary doctor for 10 years and the smartest man I know and such a father figure!
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Robert Davis
June 15, 2022
Tommie, you are still greatly missed. Line Brother, you will continue to stay in my heart and my thoughts. We had some great fun at Clark College.
Robert Davis
June 15, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Robert O Davis, Sr.
September 16, 2020
Tommy was a cool, passionate and smart dude. He was my classmate at Clark College and my fraternity line brother. He will be sorely missed. Love and sympathy to his family and friend. RIP Tommy.
Jay Lynne Kimball
September 15, 2020
Dear Anne, my heart broke when I was this. Bill was a wonderful man and I know you loved each other dearly. How does one go on without the one they love? You just go day by day and with the help of God. My prayers are with you and your family. This world has lost a very good man. Much love, Jay Lynne Kimball
Robert O. Davis, Sr.
July 20, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Tommy and I were classmates at Clark College (Class of 1964) and were line brothers in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity ( Fall line 1961). RIP Tommy. Elizabeth Anne, you have our prayers.
Vida Dennis
June 25, 2020
To the family, the news of Bill's passing truly saddens my heart. I'm thankful we connected on ancestry through his friend, Janice Wiesen. I only wish it had been sooner. We are cousins through his mother's side and will be family forever. Rest easy in God's loving care now. My heartfelt sympathy to Anne and to his family at this time of loss.
Diane
June 22, 2020
Anne,
Sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. Have fond memories of working with Bill and yourself at Rotacare. Please take care, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Diane
Caryn Mears
June 21, 2020
Dear Anne,
Bill was the kindest soul who lived what he preached; be kind to one another! All of the Mears children loved him dearly, and yet respected him with a passion as they knew he had high expectations and they didn't want to disappoint Uncle Bill. He will be greatly missed as a mentor, brother and true friend. We have been blessed to be a part of his life!
Karrie K Ferguson
June 21, 2020
Dear Anne, we are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We remember Bill so fondly as a wonderful member of Dance Elegance and Let's Dance Clubs! We treasure the times we have sat with you two and enjoyed your company over the past 30 years! Sending you our love and sympathy,
Karrie & Paul Ferguson
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in William Grimes's name
Memorial Events
for William Grimes
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Grimes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
