Richard Reed Grimes, affectionately known as “Dickie” and, most importantly, “Pawpaw,” peacefully passed away on July 15, 2026, at the age of 85 in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born on June 21, 1941, in Bentonville, Arkansas, to Walter Grimes and Ina Queen (Rumley) Grimes.

To know Richard was to know a man of quiet strength, unwavering determination, and steadfast devotion to the people he loved. A proud Vietnam War veteran, he lived a life marked by courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Whether serving his country, providing for his family, or lending a helping hand to a neighbor, Richard believed in showing up, working hard, and doing what was right.

For more than 30 years, Richard owned and operated Grimes Home Appliance, earning the trust and respect of generations of families throughout Northwest Arkansas. His honesty, dependability, and unmatched work ethic became his trademark. To many, he was more than a businessman—he was someone you could count on, a man whose word and handshake meant something.

While Richard worked tirelessly, it was time spent with his family that brought him the greatest joy. He found happiness in life’s simple blessings: listening to oldies music, watching John Wayne movies, tending the rows of tomato plants in his garden, and preparing meals for those gathered around his table. His homemade cookies and fresh-baked bread became expressions of his love, and their familiar aroma will forever bring comfort and cherished memories to those fortunate enough to share them.

Richard loved deeply, protected fiercely, and gave generously. His family always knew they could depend on him. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was simply Pawpaw—a title he carried with immeasurable pride and joy. He celebrated every accomplishment, offered unconditional love, and created countless memories that will be treasured for generations to come. His greatest legacy is not the business he built or the years he lived, but the family he loved so completely and the values he quietly taught through the example of his life.

Although his chair now sits empty, his presence will forever remain in the stories shared around family tables, in gardens overflowing with tomatoes, in the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread, in the familiar melodies of oldies music, and in every John Wayne movie that brings his memory to life. His was a life of quiet service, unwavering faithfulness, and enduring love. He will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Grimes and Ina Queen (Rumley) Grimes; his sisters, Mary Martha Gitelman, Jean Armstrong, and Sonja Lou Sherman; and his brothers, Raymond Joe Grimes and Wallace James Grimes.

He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Grimes and her husband, Jesse, of Bentonville, AR; his sons, Jason Grimes of Bentonville, AR, and Craig Grimes and his fiancée, Christiane, of Bentonville, AR; his grandchildren, Emily Jensen and her husband, Caleb, of Rogers, AR; Haley Nugent and her husband, Blayne, of Texas; Abbey Burckart and her husband, John, of Centerton, AR; and Jackson, Summer, Saylor, and Shyloh Grimes, all of Bentonville, AR. He is also survived by his beloved great-grandchildren, Javonni Zecena, Phoenix Nugent, Anniston Reid, Adalynn Burckart, Shephard Burckart, Valley Nugent, and Indy Jensen; his cherished sister, Meza Carol Grimes Harris; the beloved mother of his children, Jerri Ann Sparks Cox; and many nieces, nephews, Aricka Finger, Caron Grant, Jeanne Grimes, Kimberly Grimes, Ted Grimes, Terry Grimes, Toby Grimes, Tony Grimes, Shara Guest, David Harris, Malinda “Mindy” Popken, Greg Sherman, Scott Sherman, and Alisa Stokes; extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.

Though Richard is no longer with us, the love he gave so freely lives on in every heart he touched. His family finds comfort in knowing that a life so beautifully lived leaves behind a legacy that death can never take away.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Fayetteville National Cemetery at 1:30pm.

A Celebration of Life honoring Richard will be announced at a later date.