John Henry Grier, Jr. was born January 13, 1931 in Dawson, Georgia to the late John H. Grier, Sr. and Mrs. Fannie Mae Grier.  He spent his early childhood on his grandfather's farm until his father decided to move to Jacksonville, Florida and spent most of his teenage years on Julia Street. He was educated in the local public schools of Duval County, where he graduated from Old Stanton Senior High School before being enlisted in the United States Army.

Upon completing Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was sent to Korea with the 2 ^nd Infantry Division.  After Korea, he returned to Jacksonville and was hired as an Aircraft Equipment Cleaner at Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) now FRC/SE at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, where he rendered over thirty-five years of dedicated service before retiring.  After retirement from civil service he continued his career as a Longshoreman to full time until his full retirement.

John accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and held membership at First New Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, where he served in the choir.  Other affiliations include being a member of the American Legion Post #197.

On August 11, 1950, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Ms. Alberta Lockley.  With great joy, the two just celebrated 69 years of marital bliss.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, family man and friend to many who knew him as well as a handyman.  His biggest accomplishments were dedicated to Civil Rights, Voter Rights and further education.  He was active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) during the 50's and 60's, participating in demonstrations and rallies.  John was also active in his neighborhood urging city officials for sidewalks, curbs, paved roads and sewers.  His most memorable moment was traveling to Washington D.C. to be in attendance on August 28, 1963 to hear Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his "I Have A Dream;"  he returned to D.C. for the Million Man March in October 1995 and his proudest moment was attending the Inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama in 2009.

John was known by many for his favorite truck, a yellow and black Dodge Ram named "The Bumble Bee."  He was nicknamed "Rev" on the docks and when he was called that he would respond by saying; "Trust the Preacher!"

On August 14, 2019 John H. Grier, Jr. hung up his boots and transitioned to his Heavenly Home.  He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Mrs. Alberta L. Grier; son, Ralph Grier (Annazette); daughters, Carrol Boggs, Jacqueline Obi, Cynthia Grier and Kathy Ramsey (Leroy); 10 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; brothers in law, Clyde Lockley (Barbara), Ronald Lockley (Shirley), Frederick Lockley (Diane) and Douglas Swilley; sisters in law, Addie Lee (Joseph), Rachel Lockley and Bonnie Lockley; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives a nd friends.