Edward F. Grimes Jr.

Edward Franklin Grimes Jr., 93, of Fulton, Maryland, formerly of Laurel, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025.

Born on August 26, 1932, in Westminster, Maryland, Ed (“Tink” as many of his friends called him), was the beloved son of the late Edward Franklin Grimes Sr. and Melissa Elizabeth Harbaugh (formerly Melissa Elizabeth Palmer). Moving to Hancock, Maryland in his youth, he graduated from Hancock High School in 1951 and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army. During his military service in the Signal Corps, he achieved the rank of Corporal and earned national recognition by winning the U.S. National Shooting Championship in 1954…one of his proudest personal achievements.  Declining an offer to be the Head Shooting Coach at West Point, he continued to serve in the Army Reserves following active duty until 1961.

After his military service, Ed began a distinguished career with the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company in Hagerstown, Maryland. Over the years, he held several key positions in the Business Office, Rates and Tariffs, Divestiture and the Office of Environmental Management. He remained with the company throughout his entire career, retiring at the age of 55. During this time, he lived in Hagerstown, Maryland, Lutherville, Maryland, Orlando, Florida and Laurel, Maryland, eventually settling in Laurel before moving to Arbor Terrace Assisted Living in Fulton.

Ed's love for the outdoors and photography shaped both his personal passions and his volunteer work in retirement. An avid hunter and fisherman, he found great purpose in sharing his appreciation for nature with others. He volunteered for several years with the Smithsonian’s Chesapeake Bay Research Operation, where he piloted a research boat to help introduce children of all backgrounds to the wonders of the Bay and the importance of environmental stewardship. He later continued this commitment at the Patuxent Research Refuge, logging thousands of volunteer hours alongside his devoted wife, Lucy. Their joint efforts were recognized with multiple awards for service.

From a young age, Ed was a proud member and officer of the Tonoloway Rod and Gun Club in Hancock, Maryland — a place that held deep personal meaning as it became a beloved tradition shared across three generations of the Grimes family. It was there that Ed, his father, and later his son Tim spent countless hours together, bonding over their shared love of the outdoors and the enduring friendships built through the club.

Another treasured chapter in Ed’s life was supporting his daughter Lori through her achievements in the Junior Miss pageant organization — a journey that brought immense pride and joy to the entire family. Ed stood proudly by Lori as she earned the titles of Miss Laurel, Miss Prince George’s County, and ultimately Miss Maryland, accomplishments that reflected her poise, intelligence, and dedication. Her success led her to the national stage in Mobile, Alabama, where she competed among the country's top young women. For Ed, these moments weren’t just about titles or trophies — they were lasting memories of his daughter’s grace and determination, and a reflection of the values he and Lucy instilled.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of many years, Lucille (Lucy) Janet Grimes (Cherry Run WVA); his daughter, Lori Ann Horton (Laurel, Maryland), and son, Timothy Edward Grimes (Surprise, AZ); his son-in-law, Mark Taylor Horton (Laurel, Maryland), and daughter-in-law, Lesa Scarlett Grimes (Surprise, AZ). He was a cherished grandfather to Matthew Horton and his wife Briana (Hicks) of Severn, Maryland, Jaclyn Elise Horton (Laurel, Maryland), Alexandra (Allie) Nicole Sherline and her husband Adam (South Riding, VA), Scarlett Jeanette Phares (Phoenix, AZ), Lucie Anlyn Grimes (Phoenix, AZ), and Grace Martita Grimes (Buckeye, AZ). He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Paxton Horton, Kayla Sherline, Hunter Sherline, Monroe Sherline, and Rylee Sherline.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 17636 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in support of his granddaughter, Jaclyn, to the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Contributions can be sent to nnpdf@nnpdf.org or mailed to P.O. Box 49, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0049.

National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation
P.O. Box 49, Fort Atkinson WI 53538-0049
Tel: 1-877-287-3672
Email: nnpdf@nnpdf.org
Web: https://nnpdf.org/about-us/donations/