“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” was the familiar refrain of gratitude heard from the voice of Deacon Grier when in his presence. But more often than not, it was he who deserved the hearty “thank you” from us. With this in mind, it is with much gratitude that we the men of First Baptist Church of Glenarden offer tribute to Deacon Frank E. Grier for his dedicated and faithful Christian service and the affect it has had on our lives.

Deacon Frank E. Grier served as an Elder and Deacon of First Baptist Church of Glenarden (FBCG) located in Landover and Upper Marlboro, Md. He gave his life to Jesus Christ at an early age in Belmont, N.C. Later, he moved to Washington, D.C. where he attended various churches, and rededicated his life to Christ. In 1973, he joined the First Baptist Church of Glenarden where he worshipped and served diligently. In God’s perfect timing, Deacon Grier transitioned to be with the Lord on February 1, 2010. Over his 88 year lifetime, he touched and impacted many lives for the kingdom of God. He will be truly missed, particularly because of the way he showed his love for the FBCG men’s ministry through his words, actions and deeds.

Deacon Grier had a heart for men that was clearly evident through his involvement with numerous ministries that enabled men to grow deeply in their relationship with Christ. The monthly fellowship gatherings, the annual men’s conferences, prayer breakfasts and retreats, the men’s discipleship classes, visits to prisons and nursing homes and more. He served everywhere.

On retreats, he loved hosting fellowship receptions in his room where men could relax, share and open up with one another. His wisdom and transparency in sharing his life stories was a model for the men who listened attentively to their father and grandfather figure. He shared his testimony openly and wasn’t ashamed when a tear came down his cheek. This not only opened the men’s ears to hear of God’s mighty acts from a seasoned veteran, but it also opened their hearts when they saw the emotion and compassion behind the testimony. Deacon Grier spoke words of life to the men in order to help them in matters of family, work, leisure, spirituality and all other aspects of their lives. He cherished participating in these events as evidenced by the photographs, mementos, T-shirts, handouts and brochures he kept of the events over the years. The men cherished his presence and appreciated him for showing them how a godly man should carry himself. He was skilled in producing excellence in the deacons that he trained. He faithfully served his spiritual leaders, Pastor John W. Johnson and Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr.

“Daddy Grier”, as he was affectionately known, was also a loving family man. As head of his household, he was a devoted husband and father who was larger than life. He was married to his sweetheart, Naomi, for more than 61 years. He raised his children to know, love and honor God.

Deacon Grier loved God, his church, his family and his Pastor. He was a front line soldier in the Army of the Lord. Today, First Baptist Church of Glenarden is reaping the benefits of many seeds planted by Deacon Grier.

The ministry of Deacon Frank E. Grier has touched many lives and will continue to do so through the legacy that he embodied in those of us who knew him.