1929-2025
Howard “Gorman” Grider, a devoted family man, hardworking logger, and a lifelong resident of the Farmville community in Bradley County passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025 at the age of 95. Born December 30 , 1929, Gorman was the son of the late Howard Graves Grider and Sarah Marie Gorman Grider. He graduated from Hermitage Public School where he was known for his entertaining sense of humor and his skill on the basketball court.
Gorman was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Anna, whom he shared a lifetime of love, faith, and partnership in their 72 years of marriage before her passing in 2023. The marriage was a beautiful example of enduring commitment, rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and the quiet strength that comes from walking through life side by side. Together he and Anna Carter Grider built a home filled with love, laughter, and the steady comfort of knowing they could always count on one another. Gorman spent his life working as a logger. He was the owner and
operator of Gorman Grider Logging and was known for treating his logging crew like family. Gorman also owned the Lombard Saw Shop in Warren, AR. He was admired by all who knew him for his strong work ethic, integrity, and unwavering character.
As a father and grandfather, Gorman was a steady and loving presence. He led his family with humility and grace, always putting their needs before his own, whether offering guidance, sharing stories from his younger days, or simply showing up when it mattered most. Gorman’s love for his family was the foundation of his life. He led by example, instilling in those around him the values of hard work, honesty, and faith.
Gorman lived out his faith through service to others. A long-time deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and Sunday school teacher of Farmville Missionary Baptist Church, Gorman ministered with compassion and humility. He loved Southern Gospel music and spent hours listening to Elvis, the Gaither’s and other favorites. He also served on the Hermitage School Board for 30 years, taking pride in supporting local education and helping shape opportunities for future generations. His love for the Hustlin’ Hermits was evident by his faithful attendance to all athletic events. He was also an avid Razorback fan, and enjoyed watching baseball, basketball and football games with his family. Gorman was also a founding member of the Green’s Lake Hunting Club, where he enjoyed talking and visiting more than hunting. He also served along with his wife, as a volunteer in the Pleasant Valley Fire Department. Gorman will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him. He hosted the Grider Family Reunion at the home place annually and demonstrated a love for his Grider Family. He invited everyone to the family reunion. As he always stated “If you were a Grider, knew a Grider or ever heard of a Grider, you were invited to the Grider family Reunion”. He leaves behind a life marked by strength, faith, and a deep abiding love for those he held dear, and a legacy of quiet leadership, selfless service, and devotion to both family and community. Gorman put it best in his latter years, when he stated “He was a pretty good old boy” and anyone who knew him knew that Gorman was indeed a “very, very nice person.” If you had the privilege of visiting with Gorman during his latter years and asked him how he was doing, he always replied with “Pretty good for an old man.” He was known for finding the good in everyday and in everyone.
Gorman was preceded in death by his wife Anna Carter Grider, whom he married June 1st 1951, their beautiful daughter, Cindy Kay Grider, his parents, Howard Graves and Sarah Marie Gorman Grider, four brothers, Kenneth Grider, Glenn Grider, Gene Grider and Gary Grider and one sister, Glenna Grider.
He is survived by his son, Mike Grider and spouse Wanda, Hermitage, AR., his son Jay Grider and spouse Jennifer, Conway, AR., daughter Vicky McDougald and spouse Mike, Warren, AR, and Gena Wilkerson and spouse David, Hermitage, AR., a brother Robert Carroll Grider, Jacksonville, AR., and a sister Martha Lee Grider Godwin, Tulsa, OK., 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, May 14 th 2025 at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Visitation from 6:00pm till 8:00pm will be held Tuesday, May 13 at Frazer's Funeral Home
Frazer’s Funeral Home. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Gorman’s amazing caregivers Barbara, Sue, Sonya and others. They would also like to thank Kim Langford and the nurses at Bradley County Home Health, the Bradley County Medical Center and staff, and Dr. Kerry Pennington and staff for their devoted commitment to Gorman and his family.
