Cortez Roderick Grier's Obituary
CORTEZ RODERICK GRIER, affectionately known as “Tez” by family and friends was born to Mildred Rebecca and James Grier, Jr., on November 2, 1963 in Patuxent River, Maryland. He was the youngest of five children. Cortez accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Pastor Bill Mcteer of Missionary Baptist Church in National City, California. He later united with Trinity Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Clyde E. Gaines. Cortez was a member of Bonita Valley Community Church for many years Cortez graduated from Sweetwater High School, in National City, California where he played football and was an All-star Running Back. This recognition earned Cortez a scholarship to California State University at Fullerton. Cortez later returned to San Diego and began working for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals where he managed the Technical Support Division. Cortez was able to take an early company buyout and return to his real passion of making differences in the lives of young people. Cortez coached girls’ softball at Bonita Valley, Twin Hills and Sweetwater High School. It was on the softball field that he met his wife Claudia Grier. Cortez loved cooking, fishing, playing his musical instruments and the Oakland Raiders, but outside of his family and friends one of his greatest loves were his Palomar High School family. He loved the students, faculty and staff. He could talk about them for hours and was looking forward to obtaining his teaching credentials and returning to work permanently. On October, 25, 2018 God had another assignment for Cortez, he was to become an Angel in the Lord’s army. Cortez will be remembered for his big smile and even bigger heart. He will be missed dearly by his wife, Claudia; daughters; Raylene (Jason) Crowder, Corina Grier, Sydney Grier and Nikki Berumen of Chula Vista, CA; sons, Ivan Berumen and Izaac Baca of Chula Vista, CA; mother Mildred Grier of National City, CA; sisters, Janis (Federal) Glover of Pittsburg, CA and Geraldine Grier of National City, CA: brother, Alvin (Roseanne) Grier of Chula Vista, CA. 5 Grandchildren along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Cortez was preceded in death by his father James Grier, Jr., and his brother Lepolious Miller lll.
What’s your fondest memory of Cortez?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cortez?
Share a story where Cortez's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cortez you’ll never forget.
How did Cortez make you smile?