Rev. Richard Lee Grimmett's Obituary
Rev. Richard Lee Grimmett, age 80, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023 in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Butterworth Hospital. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan on July 9, 1943 to Mearl and Lillie Mae (Jones) Grimmett. Richard was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. On July 9, 1977, Richard married the love of his life, the former Thelma Moore, in Muskegon and she preceded him in death in 2014. Richard was employed as a crane operator by Sappi Fine Paper before an accident caused him to take medical retirement in 1984. He then attended Moody Bible Institute and Jimmy Swaggart Seminary College where he obtained two associate degrees and Calvin University where he received his Bachelor of Theology. He served for many years as the associate minister for Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. In 2000, Richard received a heart transplant at the Cleveland Clinic, and exceeded the life expectancy by two terms. This was a gift that he, and his family, were eternally grateful for. He was an avid fisherman and collector of theology books. He also left over 500 hand-written sermons, a way in which his legacy can continue. Richard is survived by his children: Tamara (Derrick) Dozier, Lakisha Harris, Destinie Grimmett, Amber (David) Harris, Doneqwa Grimmett, Lenia Grimmett, Bernadette Ramsey, Tina (Clayton) Kellum, Demetrius Grimmett, Alvin Grimmett, Jodeci Grimmett, Jeffery Wallace, and Kenneth Wallace; godchildren, Tishley Harris, Leonah Traylor, and Addie Donley; 27 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Betty (Phillip) Smith and Doris Edwards. In addition to his wife, Thelma, he was preceded in death by his parents, Mearl and Lillie Mae Grimmett; son, Richard L. Grimmett Jr., and brother, Lloyd Wayne Grimmett. SERVICES will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, September 22, 2023 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (1964 Russell Rd., Muskegon, MI 49445). VISITATION with his family will be one hour prior to his service at church. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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