CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Sharon Massey-Grimes will fill the unfilled term of her late husband, Judge Ray Grimes, on the General Sessions Court following a vote by the Montgomery County Commission on Monday night.
Of the 21 county commissioners, 14 voted for Massey-Grimes. District 7 Commissioner Brandon Butts was absent.
Judge Ray Grimes passed away on Nov. 26, 2020 at 73 after being hospitalized with COVID-19.
He served on the bench for 22 years, and was well known for establishing the local Drug Recovery Court in 2005.
Massey-Grimes called the moment “difficult and bittersweet” as she addressed the commission.
“The practice of law has been my passion for more than 23 years,” said Massey-Grimes. “I am in a unique position to have witnessed first hand the positivity of change for our community through the treatment, consequences, care and tough love that Judge Grimes dispensed in his 22 years as a judge. I want to see that passion continued.”
Other nominees include Samuel Knoll Jr., Eric Yow, Marielle Bullock Neil and Dennis Stanford.
In his remarks, Yow withdrew his application in support of Massey-Grimes, who he said was the best fit for the job.
“I truly am prepared to serve the people of Montgomery County, Tennessee as a General Sessions and Juvenile Court judge, but then I learned of the other applicants,” said Yow. “For (Massey-Grimes) to desire to fill the void left behind by her beloved husband and carry on his legacy is beautiful. She is just, kind and compassionate. … Today is not my day, and I’m going to get out of the way.”
Massey-Grimes will serve on the bench until the next judicial election in 2022.