Wayne Grier

Wayne was first employed with the Montgomery Fire Department on November 16, 1965 and retired on May 15, 1997, serving a total of 30 years with a break in service of 2 years to serve his country in the United States Army.

Wayne was appointed City of Montgomery Fire Chief on May 4, 1984 and served 13 years as Fire Chief; longer than any other Fire Chief in the history of Montgomery Fire/Rescue to date. On February 7, 1967, he helped fight the Dales' Penthouse Fire.

After his retirement, he went on to teach post secondary education with the State of Alabama where he traveled and tested firemen at the many volunteer fire departments in this area. He served many years as Chairman and member of the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission. The College and Commission had a tremendous positive impact on all levels of fire service in the State of Alabama. In April, 2017 Chief Miford Jordan presented Wayne with a plaque for his years of dedicated service and leadership, stating that the Chief Robert Wayne Grier award will be given to the top cadet graduating from each Montgomery Fire/Rescue graduating class.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Connie Grier; his step-daughter, Holly Moore (David); his grandchildren, Lexie Moore and Dixon Moore. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Francis Grier. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Neal L. Grier and Mattie Grier; sister, Nellie Ruth Paris; brothers, Charles Douglas Grier and Harmon Ray Grier, Sr.

Wayne loved hunting, fishing, the beach and being outdoors; however, his passion was racing his boats. He was also known as an accomplished cook; he cooked and served many meals to firemen, family and friends. He always had a beautiful yard and missed working in the yard when he was no longer able to do so. Wayne also loved Alabama Football, "Roll Tide"!

Thank you to all the firemen friends he had - he loved you guys. Thank you, Danny Jennings, Wayne's best friend, for being there for him the past three years. You prayed for him, took him to lunch and sat with him when he was not feeling well. He loved you like a brother. A special thank you goes to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX and Dr. Keith Thompson with the Montgomery Cancer Center.

The funeral will be held at Frazer United Methodist Church on October 22, 2019 in the Sanctuary at 2:30 PM. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Atrium at Frazer. Pallbearers will be Chief Officers of the Montgomery Fire/Rescue. Burial will follow at New Home Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Wetumpka, AL. Leak Memory is officiating.