John "JR" Grine

John R. “JR” Grine, age 75, of Ney, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025 in Dallas, Texas following an sudden illness. John was a distributor for Pepsi Cola for about 20 years where he received many monthly sales awards and was also named salesman of the year. He later owned Main Street Bar & Grill in Ney for around 8 years. He also was an owner operator truck driver with JR Grine Trucking. JR was also a US Army veteran where he earned the rank of Sargent, and was currently serving his 12th year as a Washington Township Trustee. 

JR was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church and the Farmer American Legion. He trained thoroughbred race horses for many years. He enjoyed traveling including annual trips to Smoky Mountain National Park and Cade’s Cove, he was an avid Ohio State buckeyes fan, an excellent cook, a quick wit with a great sense of humor and loved a good debate. 

John R. Grine was born on May 19, 1949, in Defiance, Ohio, the son of Robert J. and AnnaBelle (Donley) Grine. He married Susan “Sue” Eding on July 1, 1995 and she survives.

JR is also survived by his children, Tim (Cyndee) Grine, of Ney, Penny Jean (Mike) Shreve, of Holgate and Matt (Nikki) Grine, of Bryan, Chad Whitcomb, of Rockwall. Texas and Brook (Sean) German, of Heath, Texas; ten grandchildren, Baylee, Jackson, Kody, Garrett, Mikayla, Brett, Evan, Damon, Alexis, and Lauren; sisters-in-law, Linda Grine, of Bryan and Jeannie (Gene) Nichols, Reading, Michigan and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jacob “Jake” Grine and Doug Grine.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 3:00-7:00 pm at the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan followed by a recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 6324 OH-15, Defiance, OH 43512 with Rev. George Wenzinger officiating. Military rites will be presented by the Farmer American Legion.

Memorials are requested to the Farmer American Legion or Fort Defiance Humane Shelter.