Joseph E. Marcel Grimard

HULL, GEORGIA - On June 26, 2021, Command Sergeant Major Retired Joseph E. Marcel Grimard, 85, passed away suddenly with his wife by his side at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens, GA.  Joseph was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.

Born on April 12, 1934, in Rock Island, Que,. Canada.  As a young teenager he proudly became a US Citizen.  The son of Alphonse and Aurore (Roy) Grimard. He was predeceased by his parents, his siblings, Rene, sisters Lucille and Anna LaCount, as well as two brothers-in-law Armond LaCount Sr., and Kevin Farnham, as well as a sister-in-law Beth Farnham.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Pamela (Farnham) Grimard, his sons Dennis (Barbie) of Orange, VT, and Derrin (Lynn) of Massachusetts, as well as two stepchildren that he raised as his own Jayne Placey (Steve) of East Montpelier VT, and Matthew Placey of Montpelier. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren of whom he was immensely proud of Jay Jr., Justin, Jacob, Caleb, Bella, Chase, Damien, Taggert, Tyler, Jordon, Grant, Alexis, and Ethan; as well as 3 great-grandchildren.  His mother-in-law Josephine Farnham of Chelsea, VT, sister-in-law Lois of Burlington VT, brother-in-law Robert Farnham (Charlene) of Washington VT, sister-in-law Linda (Ed Kuban) of Chelsea VT, sister-in-law Carolyn (Kurt) Markham of Florida, sister-in-law Beverly (Dean) of Virginia, brother-in-law David Farnham of Chelsea VT, sister-in-law Patty (Norm Trepanier) of Washington, VT and many nieces and nephews.

Joseph worked at Rock of Ages in Barre, Vermont for many years as a quarryman, then foreman for the local quarry operations as well as outside quarries.  In the early 90’s his career led him to relocate to Carlton, Georgia where he was promoted to Quarry Manager for Rock of Ages Georgia Division known as Royalty Granite until his retirement.

He began his military career in 1955 serving in the US Army.  He went on to serve in the Vermont Army National Guard and retired from his military career in 1992 as Command Sergeant Major. During this time, he received the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional Military Service.  Joseph was also the proud recipient of The Quilt of Valor honoring his military service.

Joseph was a humble man whose life brought many achievements.  His boxing career began while serving in the Army.  In 1966, he won the Title of Vermont Golden Gloves Champion.  His love for the sport was passed on when he became a boxing coach for the Barre Boxing Team.

He loved his family, his country, and the New England Patriots.  He will be missed by many. His legacy, love, and memory will live on forever.

Family and friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.  Military Honors and Burial will take place on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 487 Furnace Road, Randolph Center, VT.

The family will visit at the funeral home, Lord & Stephens, East, 4355 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday June 29, 2021.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com