Leslie Eugene "Big Al" Grimes, 56, died Monday, Sept. 29, 2003.
Mr. Grimes was a lifelong resident of Ooltewah and was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority for the past 18 years.
He was a very loving father who played a very integral part in raising them and was a great influence in their lives, standing by and for them no matter what. He was a friend to everyone and he never met a stranger.
Because of his great love and concern for his parents, Opal and Edwin "Junior" Grimes, he visited them on a daily basis to help them in any way possible.
One of "Big Al’s" favorite pastimes was fishing, and he went whenever possible. He also loved to cook, especially grilling out.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Henry and MaryKate Grimes, and maternal grandparents, Herbert and Myrtle Biggs.
He is survived by his parents, Opal and Edwin Grimes, Ooltewah; sons, Rodney Grimes and Steve Painter, both of Ooltewah; daughters, Larissa Grimes, Ooltewah, and Melody Oppie and Stacy Parkerson, both of Apison; brothers, James Grimes, Dalton Ga., and Jerry and Ricky Grimes, both of Ooltewah; sister, Judy Riddle, Cleveland; aunt, Elizabeth Smith, Pittsburgh, Pa.; special friends, Jewell Berg, Red Bank, and Robbie Payne and Carlos Cartwright, both of Ooltewah; eight grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends too numerous to mention.
Arrangements will be announced by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.