Robert James Grindey at age 88, was called home to the Lord on December 21, 2023. He was born and raised in Chicago, IL to James Charles and Pearl Grindey. From an early age, Bob excelled both academically and athletically. He was an accomplished multi-sport athlete and scholar who was a City of Chicago championship swimmer. After graduating high school with top academic honors, Bob entered the Marines during the Korean War and served for two years. Upon leaving the Marines, he attended Grinnell College where he continued to excel winning the David Theophilus Award for outstanding athlete in more than one sport. After graduating from Grinnell, Bob became the first swim coach at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, IL and within a few short years, he built a conference championship swim program. He was then recruited by the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, FL to establish their swim program. Bob started the USF swim program in 1964 and remained head coach of the Bulls until 1978. During his successful coaching career at USF, Bob coached NCAA national champions and All American swimmers and was inducted into the USF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011. Bob left a lasting personal legacy with the positive impact his life had on other people who he touched and inspired with his coaching, teaching, mentoring and leadership. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James and Pearl Grindey; his sister, Betty Melidones; and his son, Brian Grindey. He is survived by his loving wife Gayle; his children, Eve Overby, Faith Donohue (Jeff), JoAnn Ojeda, and James Grindey (Ann); daughter-in-law, Beth Grindey; his 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; his first wife, Carol Hornbrook and his longtime, loving caregiver, Stacy Hester. A service for Bob will be held at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to join the family for fellowship and food after the service are welcome at Papa Joes restaurant in Brooksville FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bobs memory to Solo Moms (make checks payable to Underground Network (with Solo Moms on the memo line) P.O. Box 75157 Tampa, FL 33675) or the USF Foundation (4202 E. Fowler Ave, ALC 100, Tampa, FL 33620). Memorial Donation Graveside Service Tuesday, January 16, 2024 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Florida National Cemetery 6502 SW 102nd Avenue Bushnell, FL 33513