James Thomas Grier

James Thomas Grier Spartanburg - James Thomas Grier, son of the late Lemuel Asbury and Mary Exum Grier, died Thursday, April 21. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Ormond Grier. He is survived by daughter Janice Grier and her husband Ronald B. Corley of Weston, MA, son John Riley Grier and his wife Alice of Charlotte, NC, and son Robert Battle Grier and his wife Lisa of Spartanburg, SC. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren: Tom Hodge (wife Virginia) and his three children Autumn, Lachlan and Travers, Evan (wife Jen), Cullen (wife Lena), Dorothy and Charles Corley, Morgan and Christopher (wife Caroline) Grier, and Robert Grier. Mr. Grier was born in Spartanburg July 8, 1926. He graduated Spartanburg High School and attended The Citadel. As a member of the U.S. Navy, he was sent to St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota, and graduated as a Lt. Junior Grade from the University of Minnesota. He was owner and partner of Grier & Co. Insurance and Real Estate for 50 years and later CEO of that corporation until his retirement. He served as president of the South Carolina Insurance Association. He was appointed by Gov. Robert McNair to the board of the South Carolina Public Service Authority, from which he retired as vice-chairman after serving 20 years. Mr. Grier was a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church, where his grandfather served as minister in the late 1800’s. He was devoted to his church which he served in many capacities. He was involved in many civic activities such as the United Way, the Arts Partnership, and was chairman of the Music Foundation. He served on the board of First State Savings and Loan and Spartanburg National Bank, and also on the founding board of Morgan Bank and Trust. His passion was being on stage at the Spartanburg Little Theater, performing in leading roles in many comedies. He also served as president of the Little Theater board. Services will be held at Central United Methodist Church at 11 o’clock on Tuesday, April 26. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 233 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, or the Foundation for the Education of Children with Down’s Syndrome, 8418 Greencastle Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210. Family will be at the residence.