Mr Charles W. "Pal" Grimes

Charles Wesley Grimes, 81, of Biltmore Forest died Friday, May 4, 2012 at Memorial Mission Hospital. A life-long resident of Asheville, he was son of the late Charles Preston and Naomi Mae Marker Grimes. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Douglas Preston "Butch" Grimes. His charm and character were infectious, which earned him the nickname "Pal". He touched hundreds of people with his warm personality, service to the community, and throughout his life never met a stranger. An active member of local business and civic communities, he owned and operated the City Market in downtown Asheville until the early 1970's before becoming involved in real estate. A remarkable ambassador for the Town of Biltmore Forest, he served twenty- five years as a Commissioner, as well as Mayor Pro-Tem for 12 years. Charles was a member of the Biltmore Forest Country Club and the Rhododendron Brigade of Guards. Mr. Grimes served as a board member for several organizations: Care Partners Hospice, Aston Park Nursing Center, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Land of the Sky Regional Council and Transportation Advisory Committee for the Asheville Urban Area. He was awarded Outstanding Board member by Land of the Sky Regional Council in 1998. Upon completion of their new offices in 2000, the Red Cross dedicated a wing to Mr. Grimes for his years of service. He was also the recipient of the Robert G. Parish Intergovernmental Relations Award by the Transportation Advisory Committee in 2007. A member of the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Charles served on the Parish council and was an active participant in the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jo-Ann McGowan Grimes; daughters, Preston Grimes Davitt of Purchase, NY and Sheila McGowan Helms of Wilmington, NC; two sisters, Cheryl Smith of Corral del Tierra, California and Charlyne Coleman of Hendersonville; aunt, Mary Katherine Grimes of Mobile, AL; four grandchildren and a large number of nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 10, 2012 at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood Street, with Rev. C. Morris Boyd, D. Min. officiating. Interment will follow in Lewis Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Wednesday at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue.

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Mr Charles W. "Pal" Grimes

April 24, 1931 - May 4, 2012