Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
BARNWELL - Bob Grimes passed away early Thursday morning, June 26, 2025. Bob was 82 years old and a lifelong resident of Barnwell County.
He was the son of the late William Henry and Katherine Creech Grimes. Over his career, Bob held a variety of professions, from salesman to farmer, millwright, school bus superintendent and convenience store owner. But perhaps what most people may know him from was his introduction of the beach music festival to the state of SC. His love of beach music and dancing led him to be a pioneer in the industry when he hosted the inaugural Barnwell Beach Blast. Even though a good two hours from any beach, people came from far and wide to enjoy a day of beach music and “shagging”, on imported beach sand. Running from the late seventies to early nineties there were a total of 14 beach music concerts that were enjoyed by thousands and featured a lot of big named bands like The Swinging Medallions, Fantastic Shakers, Tams, The Embers, Catalinas and more. Those times were among some of his fondest memories.
Bob was a people person and rarely met a stranger. He served his community through the Jaycees and spent untold hours working on the swimming pool to keep it up and running. He also loved hanging out with friends, especially riding the roads on his Harley. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was affectionately called “Uncle Bob”, “Daddy Bob” or granddaddy by many that weren’t technically family but were loved just as much. He was the type of man you could depend on to always help when needed.
As Bob’s Alzheimer’s progressed, his desire to live as independent as possible led him to choose to move into the Summit Place, a memory care facility in Anderson. As his need for additional care progressed, he transitioned to the Clemson Downs Healthcare facility in Clemson. Bob enjoyed meeting new people through these experiences and continued to make an impression on everyone with his smile and fun-loving attitude. The caregivers he had at both facilities were some of the most compassionate and loving people and took exceptional care of him. These caregivers will always hold a special place in the heart of the family for their on-going care, love and support provided to both Bob and Rick and Sharon.
He is survived by his son, Richard “Rick” Grimes of Barnwell; daughter, Sharon Grimes Colcolough (Robert), and grandson, Austin T. Colcolough of Fair Play; sisters, Mamie Nell Cross and Betty Ann Padgett; sister-in-law, Linda Renew (Charles); brother-in-law, Harold Keel; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was predeceased by and now rejoined with his lifetime love, Joyce Goode Grimes. Also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Julius F. “Bud” Cross and sister-in-law, Tricia Keel.
Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 29th, with the service beginning at 3:30 p.m., both in the Mole Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Riley Shelton officiating. Burial will be at the Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery, at the airport, immediately following the service.
Mole Funeral Home of Barnwell is in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.molefh.com.
