Richard E. "Dick" Grimm, PhD

Richard E. "Dick" Grimm, 76, passed away in Pensacola, FL, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, after battling an illness related to his military service.

Dick was born in Zanesville, OH, on September 2, 1943, to Harry and Gwendolyn Broughton Grimm.  During his teen years, he moved with his family to Miami, FL.  Dick completed his undergraduate studies at Florida Presbyterian College (now Eckerd College), where he was a scholar-athlete.He was later inducted into the Eckerd College Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984.

Dick continued his post graduate studies at Florida State University where he received his Master's degree and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration.  He was also a graduate of the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government's Executive Education Program for public sector executives.

After completing his education at FSU, he was commissioned in the US Army.  While serving in the US Army, Dick was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, and The Republic of Vietnam.  For his service in Vietnam, Dick was awarded a Bronze Star.

After his military service, he devoted his life to public service.  From 1972 – 1987, he worked for the State of Florida's Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, ultimately serving as the Assistant Secretary for Operations. These years of serving the children, youth, and families of Florida would inform the rest of his career.

As a faculty member of the University of South Florida's College of Public Health, Dick worked to develop coalitions around the state to improve infant and prenatal health outcomes. Later as a consultant, he worked to strengthen the capacity of those coalitions to serve the mothers and babies in these communities.

An early and ardent supporter of the drug court concept, Dick became a subject matter expert.  Dick had the privilege of evaluating drug courts around the state, and through work with Performance Vistas, Inc. and American University's Drug Court Technical Assistance Project, around the country.

Through his own consulting company, The REGIS Group, and in partnership with The Henry and Rilla White Foundation, he worked to improve services and outcomes for juvenile delinquents around the state.  Understanding the invaluable role of the judiciary in drug courts, and with the support of innovative judges, he worked to develop court-based, multisystemic programs to better meet the needs of the individuals and the communities in which they lived.

In other engagements, Dick provided training and technical assistance to government and non-profit agencies.  He worked with law enforcement agencies, domestic violence shelters, child advocacy centers, and victim witness programs. Throughout his career, Dick had the honor of working with thousands of dedicated professionals who serve their fellow citizens.

In his retirement, Dick enjoyed reading, traveling to visit old friends and new places, and sharing the front porch of his cabin in North Georgia with family and friends. His great joy was spending time with his family. He loved family dinners and rarely missed a soccer, tee ball, or basketball game. He cherished the time he spent with Abby and Jack, especially the time he spent with them after he picked them up from school.

Dick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Laura; son, David Grimm (Casey Teske); daughter, Ashley Self (Karl); and grandchildren, Abby and Jack Self.  He is also survived by his brother, Tom Grimm (Carolyn); sister, Dolly Goldberg; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and great nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Gwendolyn Grimm, and his brother, James (Jimmy) Grimm.

Dick's memorial service will be held at a date yet to be determined.

Per Dick's request, in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to one of the following:

Doctors Without Borders, 551 Adelaide St. W, Toronto, ON  M5V  ON8,  Canada

Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL  36104

Heifer Project International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AK  72202