L. Robert "Bob" Grimes Jr.

Bob was born on June 12, 1927, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Leonard Robert Grimes, Sr. and Irene Cox Grimes. He graduated from Cohn High School and later attended courses at the University of Tennessee in Nashville. At Cohn, Bob continued an interest in photography he developed at an early age by serving as photographer for the school newspaper and yearbook. His graduating class voted him “Most Ambitious.” He was active at West Nashville United Methodist Church throughout his youth.

At age 18, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II.

On December 11, 1947, Bob married the love of his life, Angela Wood Grimes, at West Nashville United Methodist Church. They shared 42 wonderful years of marriage before her passing.

After his military service, Bob returned to work at Guaranty Title Insurance Company in Nashville, where he had begun as a general assistant at age 17. The company over the years was acquired ultimately by Chicago Title Insurance Company. Bob rose through the ranks to become Resident Vice President and office manager in Nashville. In 1972, he was asked to move to Memphis to open a new Chicago Title office, and in 1978 he moved to the Tampa office as Resident Vice President there until his retirement in 1992. He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to civic activities in each of these cities.

In the 1950’s he moved his young family to the new Crieve Hall neighborhood. He was one of the founders of Crievewood United Methodist Church and literally assisted building the first section of the church building. Later the family moved to Williamson County and he served in numerous roles at Bethlehem United Methodist Church. He was a lifetime member of John B. Garrett Lodge #711.

Bob had a wide range of passions and interests that brought him great joy throughout his life. He loved gardening, working on home improvement projects, entertaining friends, and travel to Europe, on Caribbean cruises, and across the United States. He became an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and enjoyed photography, music, and computers. After his retirement, he undertook to learn to use the computer, building his expertise until he qualified to teach computer skills to senior citizens in the SeniorNet program at the University of South Florida. During his 18 years at University Village/Unisen Senior Living in Tampa, Florida, Bob formed many meaningful friendships and built a strong sense of community. Significantly he served as President of the University Village Employees Scholarship Fund until he retired at age 91. Three years before his passing, Bob lost his eyesight totally, which led him to move back to Nashville to an assisted living facility close to family.

In addition to his wife and parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, William C. Grimes, Sr.; his sister, Martha Ann Grimes Lester; and his dear friend, Earlene Gravis.

He is survived by his sons, R. Dale Grimes (Nancy) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Stephen M. “Chip” Grimes (Diane) of Covington, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Robert D. “Bo” Grimes, Jr. of Charleston, South Carolina, Franz E.G. Grimes (Amelia) of New Braunfels, Texas, Amelia R. Grimes of Nashville, Tennessee, Angela Grimes Bledsoe (Charley) of Memphis, Tennessee, and Amanda Grimes Hervey (Jeremy) of Atoka, Tennessee; as well as seven great-grandchildren, a number of nieces and nephews, and a host of cherished friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Rivers at Maryland Farms, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and The Health Care Center at Richland Place for their careful and loving attention to Bob while he was in their care, and especially his close friends in Tampa who assisted him as his eyesight failed.

A graveside service will be held on April 15, 2026 at 11:00am at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln., Nashville, TN 37206. Rev. Thomas R. Ward, Jr. will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute via mail payable to the USF Foundation c/o the Office of Donor Relations, ALC100, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620 or online at https://giving.usf.edu/online/gift/f/640004

Folds of Honor Tennessee Chapter, Inc., 2020 Fieldstone Pkwy, Ste 900-93, Franklin, TN 37069 or online at https://tennessee.foldsofhonor.org/ (Donors will be able to note that their gift is made in memory of L. Robert Grimes, Jr.)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center online at Vanderbilt Health.org/giving or by mailing checks to VUMC Office of Development, PO Box 290369, Nashville, TN 37229-0369; or a charity of your choice.