CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Montgomery County General Sessions Judge Ray Grimes, who served on the bench for 22 years, died Thanksgiving morning after being hospitalized for several days with COVID-19. He was 73.
“It’s a devastating loss,” said Clarksville attorney Kevin Kennedy. He spoke of Grimes’ critical role in the community, particularly in establishing the local Drug Recovery Court in 2005.
“People after people’s lives were changed because of the Drug Recovery Court,” he said. “It was a whole new way of doing justice.
“His heart was always to make this a better place,” Kennedy said. “He had a big impact on and off the court.”
Friends and colleagues posted condolences online.
“Camie and I are sad to hear of the passing of our friend Judge Ray Grimes this morning,” tweeted Congressman Mark Green. “He served our community with honor and distinction, and our prayers are with Sharon and his entire family.”
Camie and I are sad to hear of the passing of our friend Judge Ray Grimes this morning. He served our community with honor and distinction, and our prayers are with Sharon and his entire family.
— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) November 26, 2020
Rhonda Kennedy, Barkers Mill Elementary School principal, said on Facebook. “Kennedy Law Firm’s favorite speaker (Ray Grimes) has always been an inspiration to the summer legal interns. Judge Grimes will be greatly missed.”
Sorry to hear of the passing of Judge Raymond Grimes, a general sessions and juvenile judge in Montgomery County. A victim of Covid-19. Sad times. pic.twitter.com/lQ3T8jhbwk
— Sharon Lee (@JusticeLeeTN) November 26, 2020
Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee said, “Sorry to hear of the passing of Judge Raymond Grimes, a general sessions and juvenile judge in Montgomery County. A victim of Covid-19. Sad times.”
Grimes was first elected to the position in August 1998. He heard General Sessions and Juvenile Court cases.
He earned his law degree from the University of Memphis in 1981 and practiced in Clarksville before becoming a judge, according to a statement from the Tennessee State Courts.
Grimes previously served on the Montgomery County Commission from 1994 to 1998. He was a retired lieutenant commander with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, according to Leaf-Chronicle archives.
“Ray was an outstanding Judge and, more importantly, a caring and compassionate human being,” said Montgomery County Judge Timothy Barnes. “We will never know all the good he has done from the ripple effects of the countless children and families he has helped.”
Stewart County Judge Andy Brigham said he was stunned and saddened to hear of Grimes’ death. “I find this news difficult to process. Montgomery County has lost a lion and advocate for children. I recall, after being appointed juvenile judge, asking him whether he liked juvenile court. I was finding it complicated and frustrating. He said, ‘I love it.'”
Grimes is survived by his wife, attorney Sharon Massey Grimes, and his children.
Funeral home arrangements have not yet been announced.