Obituary of Paul Dexter Grindell

Paul D. Grindell, 74, of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away on March 29, 2024. Paul was born on April 9, 1949, to Wilbur L. and Dorothy W. Grindell in Hyannis, MA. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Barry. Paul is survived by his beloved wife “Liz” Elizabeth, son Eric, daughter Dawn, daughter-in-law Tracy and grandson Christian, his brother Lloyd and his wife Susan (Liz’s sister), sister Jean and her husband Charles, and brother David and his wife Nancy, as well as his Uncle Clyde, many nephews and nieces and their families, cousins and families, and extended family and friends. A celebration of life is being planned on Cape Cod, time to be determined.

Paul served as an Operations Specialist in the US Navy 1969-1977. His first duty station was the USS Eperson, DD-719, out of Pearl Harbor, HI and participated in three WESTPAC deployments taking them to Vietnam and other areas as part of those deployments. He loved being a TIN CAN SAILOR. He always spoke very highly of the crew he served with in Vietnam. He was also a Navy Recruiter and served aboard the USS Independence out of Norfolk, VA before being honorably discharged as an OS1/E6. His family is extremely proud of his service to this great nation, and grateful for the good Lord bringing him home safely. The US Navy will spread his ashes at sea from Pearl Harbor.

Post service Paul built houses, remodeled, and as his disabilities increased his jobs changed until he had to retire. His talents were extraordinary and too many to list.

Paul’s hobbies included Street Rods, providing great family projects as well as awesome trips to car shows every season. He enjoyed gardening, growing vegetables and always making sure to have fresh cut flowers for his wife.

Paul was a gift from God to his wife. Eric, Dawn, Tracy and Christian admired how he never let his disabilities get the better of him. Paul was the husband most women dream of the dad who cared about his children and those that were important to them, he delighted in being Christian’s Papa.

Paul’s kindness was known to those who knew him, his generosity known to those who received it. Paul was always on watch wherever he lived, each move someone always said they hated to see him move as they felt safer knowing Paul was always on watch.

Fair winds and following seas dear Paul, Bravo Zulu for a life well lived. You will be forever missed. Bad times fill a thimble, good times would flood the ocean. You gave us your all, our memories will sustain us, we know you still watch over us. We will love you forever. Rest in peace with no more pain.