Philip Ludwig Grymes

Philip Ludwell Grymes, 49, of Chattanooga died at sunrise on November 10. The cause was brain cancer and, to a lesser extent, the heartbreak of another disappointing season by his beloved Cowboys.

Philip (aka, Phil, Wonderboy, The Grey Otter) was born on February 8, 1972, in Richmond, VA. He attended St. Christopher’s School and graduated from The Steward School in 1990 before receiving a degree in Outdoor Recreation from Ferrum College in 1995.

The only thing Philip loved more than the outdoors was sharing his joy and passion for adventure with others. That love, colored by his generosity, humility, and his infectious laugh, defined the arc of his too brief journey.

In 1996 he packed his degree, his Eagle Scout rank, and his thirst for adventure into a beat up 4Runner and headed to Chattanooga where he quickly made his mark in the outdoor community and the community at large. He worked for the Adventure Guild and OutVenture, before taking on the role that perfectly suited his talents and passions: Executive Director of Outdoor Chattanooga. Philip brought the same “can do” positivity to securing and hosting premier events (Ironman, Head of The Hooch, and so many others), as he did to laying down cones before and picking up trash after them. No task was too big or too small for Philip, as it all connected to the bigger goal of helping people play outside. While his work and unending dedication to the community shone the national spotlight on Chattanooga, Phil was always content to toil in the shadows. He retained his role as executive director across four mayoral administrations, but it was never a job to him. This was evident in his volunteer efforts in spearheading after school programs for local youth and working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chattanooga. Philip was happiest with a paddle in his hand, his loving wife and child by his side, and a dog or two at his feet.

Philip was predeceased by his father, Harry Brower Grymes. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Acklen Grymes, and his child Perrin “Griffin” Grymes. He is also survived by his mother, Anita Perrin Grymes Towell, brothers Harry B. Grymes, Jr. (Sarah), and Randolph P. Grymes (Laura), grandmother, Marjorie P. Perrin, and several Grymes and Perrin aunts, uncles, and cousins. Per Philip’s wishes his body will be donated to medical research.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a scholarship fund for Perrin “Griffin” Grymes or to a foundation for supporting outdoor opportunities for local children. To honor his memory please take a friend, loved one, stranger, or dog for a little play time on a river or in the woods.

Please mail contributions with designations to:

The Private Bank at Wells Fargo
c/o John Wick
1021 East Cary St 6th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219

Or email inquiries to John at john.wick@wellsfargo.com

A celebration of this great human will be held Saturday, November 13, outside the headquarters of Outdoor Chattanooga at 200 River Street.