The Billy H. and Ruby W. Grimes Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 by Steve W. Grimes, Phillip H. Grimes, and family to honor the memory of Billy H. and Ruby W. Grimes.

Mr. Grimes was born on Sept. 13, 1924. The son of John Willis Grimes Sr. and Anna Haltmer Grimes, he was raised and spent all of his life in Carthage. He married Ruby Wroten on July 27, 1949, and together they raised two sons, Phillip H. Grimes and Steve Grimes. Mrs. Grimes was born on Aug. 19, 1926, in Carthage to Clarence Carlton and Mary Lois Allums Wroten. She graduated from Carthage High School with the class of 1944.

Realizing that a good education would provide him with more opportunities, Mr. Grimes applied to the University of Texas. He attended two years before being inducted into the U.S. Army. He served his country during WWII and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. After completing his military commitment, he went to Stephen F. Austin State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Mrs. Grimes attended the University of Texas.

Mr. Grimes was the county auditor for Panola County for 38 years and was a past president of the Texas Association of County Auditors. He was active in the local community, and during his early years served as a scoutmaster and worked with area Boy Scouts. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church where he held many offices and was a longtime member of the Loyal Sons Sunday Class where he served as treasurer for many years.

Mr. Grimes was a member of the Carthage Masonic Lodge No. 521 for more than 58 years and served as the treasurer of the Lodge from 1971-77. In 1996 he was presented the Golden Trowel Award, the highest honor a home lodge can give to a member. He received his 50 year pin from the Lodge in 1997. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason of Waco, Sharon Shrine Temple of Tyler and Panola County Shrine Club. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 353 of Carthage.

As a Mason, Mr. Grimes was involved with the problems and needs of others and knew the euphoria one experiences from helping others. Most people are familiar with the work Masons do for numerous children’s hospitals around the country. However, much of the organization’s assistance is given anonymously. They do not seek gratitude for their generosity instead they are rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing they have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on. The Billy H. Grimes Memorial Scholarship will continue Mr. Grimes’ legacy of providing a helping hand to his fellow man.

The Billy H. Grimes Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student. The selection and announcement naming the recipients will be made in the spring each year.