Okay, cartoon time is over.

Richard W. “Dickie” Grimes
(1959 – 2013)

Dickie has left his post on earth and reported to heaven to get outfitted for his wings.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday October 26th at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Amarillo, Texas.

Richard was known as “Dickie” but he had a lot of nicknames including Tiger, the Duke, Agent Stingray and more.

Dickie loved ice cream, spaghetti and Coke, especially if it was Dr. Pepper.

Dickie loved music and the band of bands in his musical universe was CCR (Credence Clearwater Revival).

Holidays delighted him especially the Fourth of July but his favorite was Christmas which he called “Ooey Wish Wish”.

Christmas trees, Christmas ornaments, Christmas gifts and especially Christmas music made him happy … and if you asked him what Santa said he would respond “HO HO HO”!

He often wore oversized red welder gloves which made him look like a muppet … an unapologetically sweet muppet.

He had one speed … and it was slow.

Dickie had a vast collection of cheap “new” watches … but couldn’t tell time.

He was famous for sitting on his couch, holding his sneakers in his hands, and having vigorous flippity-flop shoe fights.

Dickie communicated with simple phrases, an animated face and blue eyes.

With a twinkle in those blue eyes he would call his brothers either “Chicken” or “Pig” and then flash his patented lopsided grin.

He never wrote a book, drove a car, held a job or did any of the things we associate with being successful.

Dickie did possess in abundance the gift of being both unconditionally loving and completely non-judgemental.

And he touched every person he encountered with his unique expression of humanity … and his famous handshake.

Dickie was an angel on earth who brightened the world with his sweet personality and infectious smile.

As the youngest of six he lived his entire life with his family and was without a doubt his parents favorite child … who considered their “special” child a gift from God.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Nancy Grimes and his sister Maureen Geiger.

He is survived by his sister Ginger & John Kinzer, brother Paul & Helen Grimes, brother Tom & Christy Grimes and brother Andrew Grimes along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wanted to extend a special thanks to the Amarillo State Center that was a centerpiece of Dickies life for most of his 54 years.

The family asks that in lieu of gifts just give someone you care about a warm hug … or if that is a bit awkward at least a good handshake.

Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 20, 2013

This one’s for you, Dickie.
– Indy