Richard A. Grigg

Richard A. Grigg, 85, of Sidney, Ohio, was called home to heaven on January 25, 2022, with his wife of 65 years by his side at their home in Sidney, Ohio. He was born July 3, 1936, in Sidney, Ohio the son of Samuel and Alice (Siferd) Grigg, who are deceased. On December 8, 1956, Richard married his friend and high school classmate, Marcia (McVay) Grigg, and she survives.  

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Marcia, along with three children, Douglas Grigg of Sidney, Ohio; Beth (fiancé Andrew Broyles) Gilbert of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Julie (Ray) Deel of Plain City, Ohio; one sister Nancy (Ronald) Gratz of Summerville, South Carolina; two grandchildren, Ava and Emmett Deel. Richard was preceded in death by both his parents and two brothers Eldon and Larry Grigg.

Richard graduated from Sidney High School class of 1954. Following graduation, He served our country in the United States Navy. He joined ODOT where he was secretary and clerk for many years. Richard went on to work at Trojan Asphalt and, later, Barrett Paving Materials as a project manager before retiring in 2000.

Richard was one of those special people who amassed many friends over the years and never knew a stranger. He enjoyed being a member of the Sidney Moose Lodge spending many a Friday night with a group of lifelong friends and their families. Richard was also a member of the Sidney VFW. He loved golfing and could easily find the water and sand traps on any course he played. Richard enjoyed cheering on the OSU Buckeyes and watching the Best Damn Band in the Land. He was a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan and liked watching or listening to the Cincinnati Reds. Locally, he was a member of the IUTIS Baseball Club and took pleasure in coaching area youth. Richard loved music and could be seen with Marcia at the Friday night Civic Band concerts on the court square during the summertime. They often traveled to see musicals, big band concerts, and the Jazzoo series at the Columbus Zoo. One of the best memories for many of Richard’s neighbors, family and friends were the epic Sunday picnics on Doorley Road where fierce volleyball competition, good food and drink and fun were plentiful.

Richard’s activities afforded him the opportunity to socialize with friends, acquaintances and pretty much anyone who he could engage in conversation. He enjoyed volunteering at the historical society, working the election polls, serving on the regional planning commission, and being a big part of the boosters clubs for his kids’ activities. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sidney, Ohio where he served as an usher, greeter, fair gate worker, and, his favorite, the elevator operator for the annual Autumn Leaves luncheon.

Above all else, Richard loved his family and spending time with and talking to them (except during Jeopardy). His adoration for his family near and far was evident in the many stories he would tell. After 75 years, Richard earned perhaps his most cherished title, “Papaw” with the arrival of the first of his two grandkids who were the apples of his eye. He treasured spending winter vacations in New Smyrna Beach, Florida with Marcia where they escaped the cold Ohio weather to relax with family and friends for more than 30 years. Richard’s family often referred to him as a miracle of modern medicine and are grateful for the full life he lived with his love and personal nurse at his side to the very end.

In keeping with Richard’s wishes, he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held in the spring at the discretion of the family. He will be interred at Graceland Cemetery in Sidney, Ohio with full military honors. Online condolences may be left for the Grigg family at www.salm-mcgillandtangemanfh.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wilson Hospice, Mercy Mission House or the Shelby County Animal Shelter in Sidney, Ohio. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Wilson Hospice for all their help and care with Richard. Salm-McGill and Tangeman Funeral Home is honored to be taking care of the Grigg family.

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