Arlester Grimes

Arlester Grimes, a resident of Navarre, Florida passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2019 in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, four days before his 72nd birthday.  He was born August 10, 1947 in Abbyville, Alabama to Logan and Mae Gipson Grimes.  Following graduation from Tivoli High School, he proudly served in the United States Army, including a tour in Vietnam.  After his military years, he was employed with Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan.  Moving back to Florida, he made the decision to attend technical school in Chipley, Florida in order to receive the training needed to become a meat cutter.  Alester's training led to employment with Civil Service at Eglin where he remained until he retired.  He enjoyed coaching Pee-Wee Football for the city of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida for approximately twenty years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two children, Alester Grimes, Jr. and Dwayne Taylor; and two sisters, Gladys and Louise Grimes.

Arlester is survived by his wife Ethel Grimes; children, Derrick Grimes, Sr., Tania Eastman (Robert), Katrina Raines (Paul), Edward Grimes, Sr., (Roshell), Raymond Taylor (Barbara), Kirk Taylor, and Marita Taylor; grandchildren, Derrick Jr., Patricia , Zoe , Deadra and Sadee Grimes, Kyle, Caleb, and Angel Eastman, Mycha, Christopher, and Collin Raines, Jordyn Walls, Isaiah Grimes, Keanna Grimes-Hilliard, Jariyiah Grimes-Lovely, Nykeria Grimes, Edward Grimes, Jr., Channing Taylor, Erika Maner, Terrance Taylor, Arthur Zieglar, Jr. Myeshia Smith, and Keshia Page; great-grandchildren, Jonathan Evans, Mehlani Grimes, and Channing Taylor, Jr.; nephew, Donald Grimes (Yvonna); niece, Taura Peagler (Maurice); great-nieces, Bianca Grimes (children: Karlo and Kylie King), and Mykayla Grimes; daughter-in-law, Betty Taylor; and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 11, 2019 in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433 beginning at 1:00 p.m. with Superintendent John Gipson officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior.  Committal services will follow in Euchee Valley Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army. 

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home.