Harold Joe Grimes

Harold Joe Grimes, 79, of Pampa, passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2024 in Amarillo.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Joe was born on April 24, 1945 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma to Mark and Ellena Gullett Grimes. He was raised in Borger and was a 64 graduate of Borger High School. Joe married Evelyn Nuckolls in 1965. Together they had three children. Joe and Evelyn would later separate but always remained friends. Joe served as a police officer in Borger then later Pampa before taking a job as a chemist at Phillips 66. After several years of dedicated service, he retired and moved to his ranch in northeast Texas where he helped raise his grandsons.

Joe married Delia Ann Thornburg after pursuing her for five years. He took her to the courthouse and tricked her into signing a marriage license. Joe singlehandedly planned their wedding, and they were married two days later. Ann said it was the best decision she didn’t know she was making. Joe was a devoted husband and acted as her anchor when Ann needed it. When Joe was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Ann became Joe’s caregiver. 

Joe was a jack of all trades. He was extremely tech savvy and was the family’s fix it man. Joe was a Christian man and loved the Lord deeply. He was kind and never once spoke a bad word. Joe was an avid hunter and fisher. He was also an excellent marksman and talented bladesmith. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ellena Grimes; and one grandson, Cory Wayne Purcell.

Joe is survived by his wife, Delia Ann Grimes of the home; five children, Christy Ann Fanelli and partner Melvin Workman of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Cyndy Diane Cox and partner Scott Brooks of Rhome, Texas, Julie Gallagher and husband Daniel of Havre, Montana, Jacquita Deaver of Polson, Montana, and James Grimes of Fritch; one brother, Melvin Grimes and wife Judy of Linda, California; 13 grandchildren, Lauren Fanelli, Morgan Cox, Carson Cox, Paul Grimes, Michael Grimes, Jermy Thomas, Jeremiah Purcell, Zackery Purcell, Jacob Grimes, Jamie Grimes, Clarissa Grimes, Raceton Grimes, and Natalie Grimes; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and his friend, Evelyn Grimes.