Charles Grimsley

Charles Thaine Grimsley (April 28, 1944 – September 3, 2019) was born in Mexico, Missouri to Marshall Thomas and Evelyn (Lee) Grimsley. He grew up in Grand Junction, CO and went to Central High School. He joined the Navy in 1960 and sailed around the globe on the USS Hancock until he was honorably discharged in 1964. In 1964 he married Cheryl Haller and they had two sons, Brad and John. They later divorced. In 1983, Chuck met the love of his life Sylvia (Ciani) Mann and her daughters Michelle and Jammie. At a young age Chuck began apprenticing at the family business, Grimsley’s Upholstery, where he learned the family trade and became a talented master craftsman. He ran the family business with great dedication for the remainder of his life, making Grimsley’s Upholstery one of the oldest locally owned businesses in the valley. In addition to local vehicles, boats, etc., Chuck also worked on some of the most luxurious houseboats and yachts at Lake Powell, crafting gorgeous custom interiors and covers. He also expanded the business over the years to include building top of the line customized vans, and one of his biggest passions, vintage car restoration. In the mid-80's he and Sylvia worked together to restore a beautiful candy apple red 1967 Camero which he gave her for Christmas. Chuck had a passion for racing top fuel dragsters and competed nationally in long-distance desert motorcycle racing in the 70’s and 80’s. He was also a licensed private pilot and enjoyed flying his plane for both recreation and frequent work trips to Lake Powell. Chuck immensely enjoyed and had a big soft spot for his dogs and was never without one or two by his side. Chuck loved the outdoors with hobbies including trapshooting, boating, waterskiing, camping, 4-wheeling, hunting and fishing. He never missed a Bronco game, and played a mean game of Texas Hold ‘Em. Many fun times and adventures were had camping at favorite spots such as Lake Powell, Grand Mesa, Avery Lake, the Sand Dunes and more. Chuck’s favorite times were spent with family and friends. Chuck is survived by his wife and companion of 36 years, Sylvia; his sons Brad (Chantel) Grimsley and John (Amanda) Grimsley both of Grand Junction, CO; his step-daughters Michelle (Brian) Cole of Springhill, FL, and Jammie (Brad) McCloud of Grand Junction, CO; grandchildren Casey, Marshall, Cass, Kyden, Keith, Kennan, and Gwen; great-granddaughter Hallie; brother Aggie (MaryAnn) Stephens; sister Beatrice Grimsley and her daughters Nikki and Jenny; and many other nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Memorial celebration will be held at Brown’s Cremation And Funeral Service located at 904 N. 7th Street in Grand Junction, CO on Friday, September 6, 2019 at 1:00 pm. Inurnment will take place at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at 2830 Riverside Parkway at a later date.