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Obituary for Robert “Butch” Griner

Following is the family obituary for Robert "Butch" Griner, which was published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on August 7, 2011. A memorial service in his honor was held at the church on Tuesday.  

Robert Griner

GRINER, Robert Glen, affectionately known as "Butch" to friends and family, died August 5, 2011. Formerly of Norfolk, Butch was a resident of Richmond, Virginia, where he was employed by, and a member of, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. As the church's coordinator for the Downtown Community Ministries, Butch was privileged to serve the homeless of Richmond through the Emmaus Feeding Program. For over 10 years, he coordinated the care and feeding of over 140,000 guests. This was Butch's ministry which he greatly loved!

Born February 25, 1952, the eldest son of the late Margaret Ray Knowles and Robert Kitchen Griner, he is survived by his loving companion of 13 years, the love of his life, Linda Pitts; a son, Scott Griner; two grandsons, Tyler and Logan Griner; a granddaughter, Brooklan Griner; siblings, David A. Griner and Kelly K. Midgett and her husband, Paul; an aunt, numerous cousins, and a host of family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Richmond, at 2 p.m. on August 9, 2011. A reception will immediately follow the service in the Parish House. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society , or to the Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Road, Richmond, Va. 23220. Please share your love and condolences with the family at www.blileys.com.

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Tags: butch griner, emmaus

Prayers for Butch

Posted by Wallace+

It is with a sad heart that I share the news with you that Butch Griner died last night.

As the staff of St. Paul's prayed together this morning, we remembered and gave thanks for Butch's warm, big-hearted presence, and for his gracious service to God's children in need. In the nine years that Butch has served St. Paul's, he has touched thousands of lives through his ministry with the Emmaus Walk-In Lunch program and the St. Paul's Food Pantry, through his friendship to those in the St. Paul's community, and through his living example of patience, compassion, and kindness. We all will miss Butch terribly, and we will pray for Linda, his loving partner, and for all those who grieve.

Butch's service will be held at St. Paul's, on Tuesday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m. We hope you will be able to join us.

Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

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Tags: butch griner, emmaus