R. C. Grider

SERVICES: Graveside services will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday at Fairview Cemetery with Masonic rites courtesy of Pampa Masonic Lodge #966 AF & AM. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.<br><br>BIOGRAPHY: Mr. Grider was born July 8, 1914 in Cooper, Texas to Robert Cornelius Grider and Audrey McClanahan Grider. His father was killed by a horse a few months before he was born and his mother later remarried. He had three half-brothers, all of whom are deceased. Mr. Grider came to Pampa from Lubbock in the early 1930's seeking work in the oilfields during the Depression. He graduated from Pampa High School in 1933, and he and his fellow graduate, Mildred Holt, were married on Nov. 25, 1936 in Pampa. She preceded him in death on Oct. 27, 1992. After a number of jobs, including working at the Lanora Theater, General Atlas Carbon Co. (now Cabot Corp.) hired him in 1938. He worked his way up to shift foreman and was employed by Cabot until his retirement in 1971. In 1950, Cabot sent him to Liverpool, England, to assist in the startup of a Cabot plant there, and this trip was one of the high points of his life. After retirement, he went to work part-time in circulation and advertising at the Pampa News. A member of Pampa Masonic Lodge #966 AF & AM since 1944, Mr. Grider was Worshipful Master in 1977-1978 and served as Worthy Patron of the Pampa Chapter #65 Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of of Borger Chapter #437, Royal Arch Masons. He belonged to both the York Rite and Scottish Rite and attained the 32nd degree. He celebrated 50 years as a Mason in 1994. He was also a member of the Khiva Shrine Temple in Amarillo. A lifetime Methodist, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Pampa for over 60 years. <br><br>SURVIVORS: 1 son and daughter-in-law: Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Grider, III of Jackson, Mississippi; 1 daughter: Dr. Sylvia Grider of Bryan, Texas; 2 grandchildren: Robert C. Grider, IV of Nashville, Tennessee and Dendy Grider Magee of Jackson, MS; 2 great grandchildren: Davis Marshall Magee and Elizabeth Anne Magee, both of Jackson. He leaves behind many dear friends, especially the staff and residents at Meredith House; his brother-in-law, Ralph Milliron of Pampa; his beloved lodge brothers; and the members of First United Methodist Church.<br><br>MEMORIALS: Pampa Senior Citizens Center, 500 W. Francis, Pampa, TX 79065.<br>