Wayne Howard Grimes

Wayne Howard Grimes, 75, of Moneta, VA, died suddenly on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lorene Grimes of Lake of the Woods, VA. Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 33 years, Anne Sickinger Grimes, a sister, Harriet Olsen (John), and his blended family - sons Brad Grimes (Penny), of Warrenton, VA, Steve of Ft. Myers, FL, and Greg (Melissa) of Duluth, GA, and stepson Jim Dibble of Amissville, VA, step daughters Peggy Spiteri (Bob) of Midland, VA, and Shannon Oliveri (Robert) of Bealeton, VA, and ten grandchildren that he was so proud of (Casey, Katherine, Van, Conner, Megan, Paige, Kristen, Stephanie, Madelyn and Andrew). Wayne was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in Alexandria, VA. He graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria and went to technical college in Lubbock, TX. Returning to VA, he worked as a milkman near Manassas, VA, and, at the same time, discovered a love for flying. He took flying lessons at the Manassas airport, and eventually became a flight instructor. He was hired by Colgan Airlines and flew charters for them. In late 1968, Wayne was hired by Allegheny Airlines, which later became USAirways, and he was based in Washington, DC. Wayne flew many types of jets, was promoted to Captain, and finished his flying career on the Boeing 767, retiring after 30 years of doing what he loved. In retirement in late 1998, he and Anne left their home in the Evergreen neighborhood of Haymarket and moved to Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, VA. Wayne renewed his passion for restoring old cars, including a 1933 Ford Tudor, a 1951 Chevy and a 2000 Corvette. The flying community will remember Wayne for his skill, sense of humor and likability. The old car collectors will remember Wayne driving down Scruggs Road at lunch time in his candy apple red 1951 Chevy. His family will remember him for his sharp wit and humor, long conversations, generosity and love. A memorial celebration of Wayne’s life for family and friends will be held later in the spring. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount - Smith Mountain Lake.