Claude Neil Grimes, age 88, of Crawford, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Bernice P. Grimes, his parents Paul and Lila Grimes, and brother Paul A. Grimes.
Mr. Grimes is survived by his son Stanley N. Grimes (Daphne) and his daughter Deborah C. Miller (Rocky).
He also leaves behind four granddaughters: Lauren Acrey (Brad), Ashley House (Jonathan), Elisabeth Gibbon (Chase) and Sarah Black (Nate). In addition, he was Papa to eight great-grandchildren.
A lifelong resident of Oglethorpe County, Neil graduated from OCHS in 1955. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy and served on active duty from 1955-1959.
For the remainder of his career, he worked in quality assurance at Westinghouse/ABB Athens. He was also a highly successful poultry farmer for over 30 years.
Neil was a faithful member of Welcome Avenue Congregational Holiness Church. He served as a deacon, secretary and treasurer for many years.
He enjoyed gardening and would never turn down a game of pinochle. Neil was a wonderful neighbor who was always willing to help in any way he could.
He was a loving husband to his wife, Bernice. Neil raised his children to understand the importance of a relationship with the Lord and of being an active member of the local church. His legacy of faith lives on through the lives of his children and grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Lord & Stephens, East. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20 at Welcome Avenue Congregational Holiness Church in Crawford.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East is in charge of arrangements.