Robert Dale Grimes

Robert Dale Grimes passed away on May 18, 2022. He was born on January 22, 1945, to Dale E. and Elizabeth Kincade Grimes in Edinburg, Texas. He had two sisters, Elizabeth Jean and Margaret. Growing up, his family lived in Texas, Arkansas, and finally settled in Lubbock, Texas, where his father coached football and his mother was an art teacher. When he wasn’t in Lubbock, Robert, or Bob as he was called by family and friends, spent a lot of his time on the family farms in Foard, Wilbarger, and Knox counties. He also worked as a cowboy for several large ranches in north Texas during high school and college, spending as much time in the saddle as he could.
Robert graduated from Monterrey High School in 1963 and received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at Texas Tech University in 1967. He was accepted to vet school, but upon graduation, he entered officer training school and flight school for the United States Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, he piloted the C-7A amassing a total of 1021 combat hours during the Vietnam War. He received numerous awards including two Distinguished Flying Crosses and an Air Medal. He went on to the Laredo Air Force Base as an instructor pilot of the T-37 and later while at RAF Upper Heyford, U.K., flew and commanded the F-111. It was his time in the Air Force where he received his call sign and nickname “Grimey”. Upon retiring his commission as a Captain, he and his wife at the time, Charlotte, moved to Crowell, Texas, where he served in the bank as a loan officer, farmed the family farms, and continued to operate a small, private flying business.
Later he and his family relocated to Hebbronville, Texas, where he continued to fly privately and received his helicopter license and flew as a reserve deputy sheriff for Jim Hogg County. He continued in the banking industry and served as Vice President of Hebbronville State Bank while volunteering in many ways throughout the community.
In 1994, he enlisted in the Army National Guard serving in the infantry division and retired as a Sergeant in 2006. When he retired from the banking business with Wells Fargo, Robert moved back to Crowell to assist his parents and oversee the family farms. He loved to cook, go to local gatherings, and visit with friends. In 2010, he moved from Crowell to Corpus Christi, Texas, to be closer to his children. He loved becoming a grandfather that year and would light up when he had the chance to spend time with his grandchildren. Even though he battled dementia, he still made dear friends, often with caregivers and staff where he lived. Robert always had great stories to share and was kind and courteous to those who worked so hard to care for him. He was loved by many!
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother-in-law, Robert Edwards. He is survived by his daughter Anne and her husband Sam Thurwalker of Corpus Christi, TX; daughter Cate Grimes, of San Antonio, TX; sister Elizabeth Jean Edwards of Glen Burnie, MD; grandchildren Jack Charles and Grace Adair Thurwalker; niece Marnell (Don) McCarthy of Reading, PA, and their children; nephew Lewis (Paige) Edwards of Dallas, TX, and their son.
The family would like to sincerely thank the care team and staff of Elan Assisted Living and Memory Care, Altus Hospice, and Senior Helpers who all cared for Robert with genuine love and affection over the last several months. They became his family as well and we are forever grateful for their love, dedication, and support.
Robert will be laid to rest on Friday, May 27, 2022, at the Coastal Bend State Veteran’s Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas, at 11:00 a.m. All services will be held at their pavilion. Robert was always proud of his service to our country. Flowers may be sent to Corpus Christi Funeral Home or, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity or to Mission 22 which provides support to Veterans and their families. You may access donation information on their website at www.mission22.com .