Service Announcements

Celebration of Life for Mr. James Grier

Mr. James Grier, 86, of  Charlotte, NC passed away on May 11, 2020 at University Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Mr. Grier, affectionally known as “Pete”, was born on June 3, 1933 in Charlotte, NC to the late George and Janie Grier. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta Mills Grier and son Kenneth Bernard Grier.

He leaves to cherish his memory twin brother, John Grier (Cathy) of Chicago, Illinois: Sister-in-law, Eunice Grier of Greenwood, SC, The Mills Family and In-Laws of Rutherford County, NC; Daughters Carol Grier, Angela Grier and Jeannie Sanders of Charlotte, NC. Granddaughter Crystal Bennett (Lee); Grandson Charles Harrington, V.; Nine Great Grandchildren Kattia Grier, Lisa Douglas (Jonathan), Akin Wallace, Katrell Grier, Tyra Jones, Nakia Bennett, Jonae’ Douglas, Jeffery Plummer and Jonathan Douglas, Jr.; Daughter-in-law, Thomasina Grier, Longtime Devoted Friend, Faye Wright; Children’s Mother, Mary Ellen Grier; Godchildren Justin, Jessica and Jordan and a host of loving nieces and nephews

Mr. Grier graduated from West Charlotte Senior High School in 1951 and was employed at Duke Power for 33 years supervising their mailroom operations center before his early retirement in 1989. Over the years, he also worked part time jobs at Maxwell Furniture Store, Edgcomb Steele Company, Faul & Crymes Sporting Good Store, Mount Carmel Baptist Church and Long & Son Mortuary Services. He was a faithful member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church serving as a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Sanctuary Choir, Usher, Finance Committee and volunteer at the Loaves and Fishes Pantry.  For his dedicated service to Loaves & Fishes, he received the very first Beverly Howard Award in 2016 and was also recognized by Mount Carmel Baptist Church.

James joined the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Noble Mystic Shriners of North and South America (Ramses Temple #51) in 1971 serving as a lifetime member for 49 years.  During those years, he served as their Recording Secretary for over 40 years, Honorary Past Potentate, Member of the Legion of Honor and sung with the Ramses Temple #51 Quartet.  He was also a Member of Silver Set Lodge # 327 and Charlotte Consistory #35. He always enjoyed participating in the Temple’s annual events such as the barbecues, Easter egg hunts for children, New Year’s Eve dances and cooking for the Super Bowl parties.  He excelled at making sure everyone who attended felt like Kings and Queens.  He traveled all over the United States for the annual Imperial Sessions where he participated in the drill team competitions and parades. He dedicated his time tirelessly to their mission and community work.  Mr. Grier received numerous awards multiple times for his faithful service to Ramses Temple #51, including Noble of the Year, Outstanding Work as Recorder, Distinguished Service Awards, Loyal Service Awards and many more.

Mr. Grier exemplified what it meant to be a Christian and Excellent Man of God. He loved the Lord and his family dearly, loved serving others and had such a giving heart. He was the Patriarch of the Grier Family during their times of sickness or celebrations to provide whatever they needed. When the Houser-Grier Family Committee was formed in the 70’s, he and his siblings provided leadership that instilled important family values.  Through the years, and across many generations, reunions were planned from backyard cookouts to trips across the United States that provided lasting memories.

Even through his own sickness, he kept on giving and never complained. He was truly a blessed man! His statue and charm commanded everyone’s attention. His firm discipline, teaching of God’s word, spirit of giving and commitment to all that he did made us all better human beings.  He was a mentor to everyone and cherished relationships, never meeting a stranger. He worked hard to send his girls to college and was proud when his son joined the Air Force, supporting them in whatever they chose to do in their careers.  Often times, he claimed their friends as his children too. He stuck by his words, always saying, “May you live as long as you want and may you never want as long as you live.” All his male friends were delightfully greeted as “big money” and knew they would probably lose to him playing tennis, checkers and chess.

A special thanks to the staff and medical teams at Northlake House Assistant Living Facility, Asbury Health and Rehabilitation Center, The Citadel Myers Park, University Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Mary Stowe, Dr. Kenneth Owen, Dr. Manish Patel and Dr. Ronald Futerman for taking such good care of him.

Public viewing will be held Friday,May 22,2020 at Long & Son Mortuary Chapel 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Private Graveside service will be held for Mr.Grier at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens.