Gerald Thomas Grimes (Jerry), age 67, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, April 14, 2017. Jerry was a patient at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He was originally from Alabama and moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee with his family in 1984.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patricia (Pat) Grimes, his sweet dog, Abbey, his son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Nicole Grimes of Simi Valley, California, his daughter and son-in-law, Brandi and Matthew Magee of(Knoxville, Tennessee, grandchildren Taylor, Tyson, Trace and Tripp Grimes and Jack, Owen and Anna Claire Magee, and brothers Larry Grimes of Mount Sterling Kentucky,  and Tim Grimes of Gadsden, Alabama, and several nephews and nieces.

Jerry had a smile for everyone he met. He was so happy when surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed weekly excursions to Cracker Barrel with his best buddy, Steve Gilbert. He loved worshiping at his church, Lebanon First United Methodist Church, attending activities there and being a part of the Open Door class.  He enjoyed coin collecting and reading, especially books by Max Lucado and Earl Stanley Gardner.  He loved listening to music, and his favorites included contemporary Christian artists like Hillsong and Chris Tomlin, and light classical music. Jerry also loved animals, and he and Pat enjoyed their excursions to the Nashville Zoo.

A celebration of life is planned for later in the year. Anyone who wants to provide a gift in memory of Jerry should contact Lebanon First United Methodist Church, Lebanon, TN ( lebanonfumc. com online or by telephone at 615-444-3315), or to Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, Mount Juliet, TN (http:// www.oldfriendsseniordogs.com/index.html online or by telephone at 615-754-5617).

The family sincerely thanks the staff of the emergency room at Williamson Medical Center who provided a quick diagnosis, kind and compassionate care, and made sure Jerry was transported quickly to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  We also thank Vanderbilt University Medical Center doctors, nurses and staff in the Trauma Unit, Neurological Intensive Care Unit and the Palliative Care Unit for providing the best possible care to him, and the compassion that was shown to him and our family by so many there truly touched our hearts and lives.

An online guestbook for the Grimes family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com

Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151.