In loving memory of Barry Grimes - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

A powerful Black family man:

Barry Jon Grimes lived in the light of his soul, honorable, humble & solid in his words and actions. He was quiet, but courageous in all areas of his life. His biggest superpower was his unfaltering dedication to his family. He believed in his family more than they believed in themselves at times. It was beautiful watching him as a parent, patiently guiding his children and Grandchildren, pouring so much love and faith into them. This next generation will carry on his legacy, honoring him, by living a joyous life he would be proud of! He now lives on in our family’s hearts and souls, where we can call upon him and be embraced by his wisdom and Love at any time.

After living a rich life and service to his family, community, and God, Mr. Barry Jon Grimes was called home to be with his Maker, family members, and friends. Barry passed away January 20, 2025. Born November 18, 1961, in Alliance, Ohio, Barry was an amazing athlete, scholar and entrepreneur, he travelled halfway around the world and back leaving a deep imprint with his quiet, thoughtful dignity. Barry was a great student who attended Franklin Elementary, Stanton Middle School, and Alliance High School, He received a scholarship to Baldwin Wallace College, transferring to Eastern Michigan University to graduate along with his newlywed. Barry went on to obtain his Master of Business Administration degree.

Raised in the Noble Street Church of God in Christ, Alliance OH, Barry’s commitment to God began at a young age when he served as the Sunday School Secretary. His commitment to the community was demonstrated by his leadership in Boy Scouts and May Day Derby Charity walks in Alliance. Barry was a naturally gifted athlete, demonstrating great skill in baseball, basketball, football, and Shot Put in Track & Field. Barry played other sports and excelled at everything he put his mind to. Setting several records during his time in school, Barry’s commitment to his young family ended his athletic career, but his sports enthusiasm continued as he coached his children and youth teams throughout the years.

Some of Barry’s fondest early memories were starting the largest paper route in Alliance, hanging out with his brothers and sister, being spoiled by his mother, and working with his father at Babcock & Wilcox Tubular in Alliance.

Barry married the love of his life Sharon Cooper at 19 years old, and moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan to start his young family and complete his undergraduate degree. A pillar of his family from the beginning, Barry always worked very hard. Shortly after graduating he started a side business developing video store management software– while also working full-time at General Motors. He and his wife subsequently both began working for Sisters of Mercy. Barry was promoted within the organization in his mid-20s and relocated to the South Pacific Island’s with his wife and 2 small children. For several years they lived in Palau (Micronesian islands), then moved onward to the Marshall Islands (U.S. Territory) also in the Pacific Isles. This proved to be a phenomenally rich experience for him and his family!

Barry and Sharon visited Peleliu (Palauan Island), where some of the fiercest WWII battles took place. Barry’s father fought in the battle of Peleliu and was one of the few survivors. Barry had to visit the outer Island dispensaries as part of his job, and he was able to take his family to see Peleliu. It was a surreal experience; walking the same shores where his Dad nearly lost his life! His father rarely spoke of the war, it was understood why. The remnants of war were still very apparent, with dark eerie bunkers riddled with bullet holes and old rusted shot up tankers on the shore.

Barry’s extended family missed him during his time overseas, but he provided valuable hospital administration services to communities in need of assistance. In particular, he spoke up for the hospital admin in Palau and was a catalyst for positive changes for the Palauan’s healthcare delivery system. In the Marshall Islands he designed a standalone facility that was developed for the victims of nuclear testing, which made him a hero to the community! Prior to the clinic, patients were cared for in a small room in a rundown hospital. Barry was asked to continue his service, But the call to return home to the states to be with family was too strong.

Barry relocated to the Orlando area in the early ‘90s and lived in Florida for the rest of his life with his family. He continued to work in healthcare administration and accounting with Humana, United Health Care, Capital Health Plans and Anthem Health. In recent years Barry started a successful real estate business and published two books: Career Change Ace (https://a.co/d/c1jnH4F) and Real Estate Bird Dogging.

Everyone who ever met Barry knew to never get in the way of him taking care of his family. He was “One in a million” (the song he and his wife chose for their wedding) as a husband and father. He made his wife feel cherished, Loved and complete!! Their Love will continue into infinity!

For Barry, LOVE was a verb! He always showed his Love through action! He was very romantic and made life super fun and interesting for his family with special vacations, cruises and getaways, not to mention his delicious summer BBQ’s. He simply enjoyed keeping his Loved ones happy!!! Throughout the years his wife would comment on how wonderful it was to be Mrs. Claus!!!

Christmas was Barry’s passion and favorite holiday. Christmas music started on Thanksgiving Day, then the Christmas tree would go up the next day. Barry won several awards for decorating his house. Cars and families would slow down going past his house, mesmerized by his Christmas masterpieces every year, this gave Barry great pleasure!!!

Inside the house, he decorated and made cookies and found the best deals on Christmas gifts. Barry was painstaking about making his gift selections special. He knew exactly what everyone wanted, so his gifts were always well thought out and stellar. The way he decorated each present was truly amazing! He would go to his Santa’s workshop and create phenomenal memories that we will cherish until we meet again.

He was tireless, creative, fearless, and relentless in seeing to his family’s care and growth. We drew strength from Barry, you could always depend on his words and actions. He was definitely a man of action! Our loss is unspeakable, but we are joyous that he is free of pain and with God and loved ones who proceeded him. Barry Jon Grimes was truly one in a Million and still is in our hearts!!!!!

Barry was preceded in Glory by his parents Marion Eugene Grimes, Sr., and Annie Ruth Kirksey Grimes, sister Lelia Catherine Mason Hairston, and a large group of loving Aunts and Uncles. Barry is survived by a loving and grateful family including his wife Sharon Cooper Grimes. Brothers Aldonis (Dony) Grimes, Marion “Duke” Grimes, Jr. (Cheryl Grimes), and Anthony Grimes (Jennifer Grimes). Children Daric Grimes, Ashlei Grimes, Noah Grimes, and Luke Grimes. Grandchildren Sierrah Davis, Karris Davis, and Vloe Grimes. Barry is also survived by scores of cousins, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews, in law family, and friends including special friends Barry Holmes, Troy Hawkins, Kevin Louis, Clay Brown, and Ron Douglin

A memorial Service will be held Saturday March 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Real Life Christian Church in Clermont Florida.

Loving and caring arrangements are by the Family