Winston Churchill stated that “[w]e make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”, words which Charles Paul Grier certainly lived by. A loving husband and father, corporate executive and U.S. Navy veteran, Charles passed away at the age of 92, on January 29, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. Charles was born in Arkansas City, Kansas, on August 1, 1930, to Helen Rothfus Grier and Paul Edwin Grier. He grew up in Florida where he graduated from Montverde Academy in 1948. Subsequently, Charles attended Montgomery Junior College in Maryland. His college days were interrupted by the Korean War, but in 1954 he graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Bacteriology (Microbiology). During the war he enlisted in the Navy as a hospital corpsman out of a desire to serve not only his local community, but his country. Shortly thereafter, Charles met the love of his life, Helen Calhoun, on a blind date, married her in 1956 and remained happily married for 65 years until her passing in 2022.
Growing up in Florida, Charles was an avid outdoorsman. He acquired an early love for the water, boating and fishing, which lasted throughout his lifetime. As a child he enjoyed baseball and going to the movies, and he also developed a passion for flying, earning his pilot’s license at the young age of 15. Beyond his appreciation for all things outdoors, Charles was always interested in supporting his community. As a high school student at Montverde, Charles was senior class vice president, captain of the varsity baseball team and a varsity basketball player. When he was enrolled at the University of Maryland he became a proud member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, with which he maintained a lifelong affiliation.
After graduating with his degree, Charles worked on the technical staff of the National Bottlers Association in Washington ,D.C. In 1960 he moved to the Dr. Pepper Company in Dallas as head of the quality control laboratory. By age 34 he was named a vice president of the company. In 1988, Charles and Helen relocated to St. Louis and Charles worked to consolidate Dr. Pepper and 7-Up Operations. While in St. Louis, Charles and Helen became involved in their local community, cultivating lasting friendships with many people they met there. Charles retired in 1994 as Senior Vice President in charge of Operations and Research and he and Helen moved back to Dallas to be closer to their grandchildren.
Throughout his distinguished 34-year career at Dr. Pepper, he was instrumental in modernizing the company’s operations and for many years he was the one person who mixed the flavor ingredients together in a refrigerated steel vault, making the secret ingredient that is used in every Dr. Pepper made all over the world. Charles was active in various professional organizations, serving as president of both the Society of Soft Drink Technologists and the National Soft Drink Association, and was viewed as an industry-wide expert on research and quality control, a reputation earned through years of dedication, hard work and integrity.
Charles’ commitment to giving is highlighted in his lifelong affiliation with the US Military. He joined the Navy in 1949 as a Seaman Recruit (E-1), and he continued to dedicate his time and life to the United States a s a member of the Naval Reserves for over 41 years, until he retired at the rank of Captain (O-6) in 1990. Upon his commission into the Navy Medical Service Corps, Charles was assigned to and spent many years supporting what is now the Naval Research Laboratory. He shared his passion for education by giving lectures on topics such as microbiology, the effects of using biological agents in warfare, marine microbiology, nuclear reactors and disease vectors in Vietnam. He also served as the Commanding Officer of multiple units and he was a strong supporter of many military causes, including serving on the Board of Governors of the USO for many years.
Charles and his wife Helen were active volunteers and supporters of philanthropic endeavors, including Junior Achievement, the YMCA, the USO and various Naval charities, Montverde Academy, and numerous children’s and animal charities. After his retirement, Charles took to writing, being a regular contributor to the Pepper Upper newsletter and the Mosquito Beaters, a hometown magazine in Cocoa, Florida.
Most of all, Charles’ life was dedicated to his family. He relished time with his wife, four children, grandchildren,and friends. He taught many of his grandchildren how to fish, was an enthusiastic supporter at their various sporting and musical events, and he and Helen shared their love of learning by traveling around the world with their children and grandchildren. Charles was well known for his ability to connect with people. He and his dog Scooter were beloved fixtures in the neighborhood, engaging with neighbors on their daily walks. He is remembered not only for his amiable personality, but also for his sense of humor and capacity to make everyone he encountered feel valued. In addition to being with his family and friends, Charles enjoyed gardening, reading, listening to classical music, grilling delicious steak dinners and spending time in Rockport with his family.
Charles is predeceased by Helen Grier, his devoted wife of 65 years, and his son Thomas Grier. He is survived by his children John Grier (Ellen), Susan Grier (Kevin Gillette), and Robin Vettoretti (Paul); his grandchildren Sarah Zaldana (Josh), Daniel Gillette, Nicole Gillette, Alexander Grier, Justin Grier, Aniana Grier, Joseph Vettoretti, Charlie Vettoretti and Megan Vettoretti; and his great-grandchild Nathan Zaldana. Charles was also predeceased by his parents Paul and Helen R. Grier, his sister Gail Lewis and his brother-in-law William Lewis.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 18, at 1:00 pm, followed at 2 pm by A Celebration of Life and graveside services at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX, 75225. For those who wish to participate remotely, The Celebration of Life will be live streamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/2865676.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Charles’ memory to your local SPCA , animal shelter or The American Heart Association.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Grier family.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5