Dr. Ben Matthew Grimes, M.D.

Dr. Ben Matthew Grimes, M.D., age 89, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on August 12, 2025, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama.

Born in Coffee Springs, Alabama, to Fred and Elsie Grimes, Ben lived a life devoted to service, medicine, family, and faith. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Janice Morgan; his niece, Cornelia Anne Morgan; and his brother-in-law, Thadius William Morgan.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Virginia D. Grimes; his children, Dr. Tinsley Grimes (Graham), Andrea Dowell (Patrick), Gilbert Grimes (partner, Jennifer), and John Grimes; his cherished grandchildren, Mac Hendricks, Carson Dowell, and Jacob Dowell; his nephew, Thadius William Morgan Jr.; his brother-in-law, Allison Derby, Jr. (Renee); his niece, Kate Elmore (Chase); his nephew, Al Derby (Paige); numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous cousins.

A proud graduate of Enterprise High School, Class of 1954, Ben went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Dr. Grimes’s remarkable medical career spanned more than four decades. He earned his B.S. from the University of Alabama in 1960, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and his M.D. from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1963. Following his internship at Carraway Methodist Medical Center and a fellowship in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Diseases at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, he served as a respected physician, educator, and leader in both pulmonary medicine and anesthesiology. His career included roles at Carraway Methodist Medical Center, the University of Alabama Hospital, Anderson Regional Medical Center, Jackson Hospital, Montgomery Surgical Center, and Baptist Medical Center, among others. He held several leadership positions, including Chairman of Critical Care Medicine, Director of the Intensive Care Unit, and President of the Tri-States Thoracic Society.

Beyond his medical achievements, Ben was a man of kindness, humor, and integrity. He enjoyed time with family and friends, whether relaxing at his farm, spending days at the bay, or sharing his dry wit. A devoted fan of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the St. Louis Cardinals, he was always quick with a smile and rooted deeply for the teams he loved.

His family extends heartfelt gratitude to Auburn Assisted Living and the caregivers at Synergy for their devoted care, compassion, and friendship during his final months.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in Livingston, Alabama. Burial will follow at the Campbell-Derby Cemetery in Whitfield, Alabama.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.freemancitronelle.com. Freeman Funeral Home - Citronelle, Alabama

Memorials may be made in Ben’s honor to St. James Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 446, Livingston, Alabama 35470.

Ben leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and dedication to others, along with the quiet strength of a man who carried no unkindness in his heart. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.