Robert Grindle, 91, passed away peacefully after a years-long battle with Alzheimer's and Dementia on September 20, 2025.

Mr. Grindle is survived by his sister Estelle Whitley; brother-in-law Andrew J. Jr. (Marsha) Fields; children Walter (Patricia) Grindle and Phillip (Dawn) Grindle; grandchildren Austin, Coleman, Logan, Lila, Lydia, and Lena Grindle; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Grindle is preceded in death by his parents Lewis Young Grindle and Pauline J. Edge Grindle; siblings Louis Young "L.Y." Grindle, Eugene Grindle, and Imogene Wilson; and loving wife of 68 years, Mary Elizabeth Fields Grindle.

Mr. Grindle was born on October 2, 1933, in Lumpkin County, Georgia. He grew up near The Grindle Shoals on the Chestatee river in the Christian faith. He remembered his childhood home fondly with his parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and friends always nearby. When he turned 18 years old in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Navy and boarded a train to San Diego, California where he completed basic training at U.S. Amphibious Base Coronado. He joined Beachmaster Unit One, a separate command which evolved from World War II's "Navy Shore Party" or "Beach Parties" that was commissioned on July 13, 1949, by the Chief of Naval Operations following a growing need in the aftermath of World War II. He served for much of the Korean War in active duty from 1952 to until he was honorably discharged in 1955. This time proved to be formative for him as he often recollected these memories over the many years of his life. He especially loved telling the story of the Captain who permitted him and the other sailors to jump off the ship on their way to Japan to swim above The Mariana Trench.

In 1956, he made the decision to return home to North Georgia where he met Mary Elizabeth Fields on a double-date at a drive-in-movie theatre. They fell in love, married, and had two children together. Mr. Grindle established Robert Grindle Concrete Construction Company in 1964. In his life, he built countless roads, bridges, culverts, walls, foundations, septic systems, etc. in and around Lumpkin County, Georgia. He had a sharp mind when it came to building and loved sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.

He lived every day by the teachings of Christ and found joy instilling these values in his children and grandchildren. His family remember him as a man who was strong, wise, gentle, and good-spirited. Even as his dementia progressed in the last few years of his life, he remained eager to hear-tell of a good story or joke. He loved his wife, siblings, parents, children, and grandchildren more than anything in this world. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family of the deceased wish to extend their sincere gratitude to Jann Nalley for her kindness, compassion, and excellent care given to Mr. Grindle during his illness. Additional appreciation is given to Janice Black Martin, Jaymi Sefzik, the staff of Northside Forsyth Hospital, and the staff of Dahlonega Assisted Living.

A funeral is scheduled for Thursday, September 25th at 2:00 PM at Anderson Underwood Funeral Home. Reverend Lyman Caldwell will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Grindle's life. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 24th from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Anderson Underwood Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Philippi Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Philippi Baptist Church, Cavender Creek Road, Dahlonega Georgia, 30533.

To share a memory or offer condolences to the family, please visit Mr. Grindle's online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, GA 30533