Deacon Richard Grider

May 27, 1933 - December 8, 2019

Deacon Richard Grider was born the sixth child of twelve children to the late Paul Grider Sr. and Gladys Eatherly Grider, in Indianapolis, Indiana on May 27, 1933. Richard attended Indianapolis Public Schools and received his diploma from the historic Crispus Attucks High School. Upon graduating in 1951, he worked at Jack’s Upholstery and the United States Postal Service. He was then drafted into the United States Army in June 1953. While serving in the military he received the Airborne Rangers Badge and served overseas in Japan and Korea before being honorably discharged in 1957. Upon returning home, Richard became employed at the City County Building where he learned the skills of window washing. He then became on entrepreneur and started his own business as Independent Window Cleaning in 1968 and later as he took on janitorial services renamed it as Residential Maintenance (RMS). After several years, Richard retired from RMS and was appointed as church administrator at Grace Apostolic Church by the honorable Bishop Morris E. Golder in the late 1990’s. He then retired as administrator in January 2010. Richard entered holy matrimony to Josephine Rose Grider on November 3, 1957. They enjoyed 43 years of marriage before she transitioned to meet her Lord and savior. To this marriage there were 4 children, Katrina, Calvin, Cynthia and Stephanie. God did not desire that Richard remain alone and again blessed him with marriage to Ruthie L. Craig where they shared 10 beautiful years of life, before he made his transition to be with his Lord and savior. Richard was baptized at Christ Temple Apostolic Church (Indianapolis) at an early age where his mother was a member. He led a Christ-like walk until he gave his life to Christ by receiving the precious gift of the Holy Ghost and was later installed as a Deacon under the honorable Bishop Morris E. Golder at Grace Apostolic Church. Richard enjoyed all sports. He was an avid bowler and golfer. He was President of The Indy Bowling Senate in the early 1980’s and was inducted into the Indy Senate Hall of Fame in 2008 for meritorious service. Richard enjoyed spending lots of time with his family and was a great supporter of all family activities. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching golf, football and basketball. Richard was a stranger to no one and a friend to all that met him. He often nicknamed many as “Hamburger”. He was known as Mr. G, G-Man, Poppa Grider, and Pops by his extended family. He mentored by offering job opportunities to many young men. Richard Grider departed this earthly life on Sunday, December 8, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Paul Jr., Allen, William (Billy) and David, Rita M. Cox, Alice C. Grider and Katherine Jacks-Williford, 1 great granddaughter; Brittni. Left to cherish his loving memory is his wife; Ruthie L. Grider, his children; Katrina Maddox (William), Calvin McNary, Cynthia Drumright, Stephanie A. Watts; brothers; James (Betty), Robert (Marcie), Thomas H. (Mary), sisters; MaryJo Boston. Stepchildren; Dewayne Craig (Chryel), Cheryl James (Richard), and Sean Craig. A host of Grandchildren (6), Great Grandchildren (5), and a host of Nephews, Nieces, Cousins, Friends and his Grace Apostolic Church family. Deacon Richard Grider, a man of many talents, strong character, great wisdom and intellect, leaves a gap in our hearts that only God can feel. He will be sorely missed by all.