of Fort Smith, AR
March 2, 1952 - February 8, 2020
Roy L. Grinder, age 67 of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed from this life on Saturday, February 8th, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith. He was born in Marshall, Arkansas on March 2nd, 1952 to Windell Grinder and Dorothy Smithson Grinder.
He was married to Brenda Holliman Grinder for 50 years and they were together for 52 years. He was a devoted husband and best friend. He and Brenda were soul-mates forever. Two children were born to this union, Jeff and Jill Grinder. Roy was a dad and poppy who lead by example and prayed daily for his family.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda Holliman Grinder; his children, Jeff Grinder and Jill Grinder; grandchildren, Aspen and Macoy; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Noel Davis; sister-in-law, Karen Grinder; brother-in-law, Gary Holliman; and many other family and friends who will mourn his passing.
Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Windell and Dorothy Grinder; and one brother, Billy Grinder.
Roy spent 45 years in ministry to his Lord and Savior. He pastored and worked Native American Ministry in New Mexico and Arizona. Roy was bi-vocational, besides his many years in the ministry he was an English/History teacher in the public school system. Roy loved to spend time with his family, fish, hunt and read; but most of all he loved and served his God. He always said "We all come from eternity and are simply on our way back."
Graveside services for Roy will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, February 11th, 2020 at Rock Creek Cemetery near Harriet, Arkansas with Bro. Bruce Smithson officiating. Honorary bearers will be MaCoy Grinder, Gary Holliman, Noel Davis, Larry Roe, Mike Burden and Mark Clark.
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25 Condolence(s)
Jan Williams
Sunday, November 22, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear this. I really thought a lot of Mr Grinder. He was a fellow colleague when he worked at Mulberry School but most of all he was a fellow Christian. His words of wisdom to me I have always remembered.
Jeremy Medlock
Friday, November 20, 2020
I hope this isn't the person that I am thinking of, but can someone confirm or deny that he taught English at Mulberry High School (Arkansas)? If so, I am going to cry! He was one of my favorite teachers. He taught English I and II for 2 years with my class.....................
Amy White
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
I just found this out. Words cannot explain how sorry I am . I love and care about each one of you ! Brenda you and Roy were so good to me when things were rough for me . Brenda I loved sitting around and talking about stories of the life you built. He was so much like a father to me in so many ways. If ever you need anything please let me know. Love you all! Amy
Steve Strackbein
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Jeff and Jill I'm sorry to hear about your dad.
Diann Binion
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Pastor Grinder was a kind man with a very big heart. In the short time I’ve known him, I knew he loved God, he loved his family and he loved people. He will be sorely missed in New Mexico. To Brenda and his family, our prayers are that God will over shadow and comfort you.
Wrenita Smithson Abbott
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Brenda, Jeff, Jill & grandchildren words cannot express my sympathy over the loss of Roy. He was dear to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. You will be in my prayers. God bless you all.
David watts
Monday, February 10, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David watts
Monday, February 10, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Albert & Anna (Rainbolt) Maze
Monday, February 10, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Placing your families in our prayers.
Bill and Zebbie McBride
Monday, February 10, 2020
We were so sorry to hear about Roy. You and your family are in our prayers.
Lynn Lay Garrett
Monday, February 10, 2020
I’m so sorry he’s gone from you now, but so happy you know where he is. There are really no words of comfort I could say that you don’t already know. So I grieve with you now and look forward to rejoicing with you with our Lord.
Jeff Stockton
Monday, February 10, 2020
I’m so sorry for your loss I lost my Ol Man back in May and the emptiness never goes away . I remember him as a wonderful knowledgeable man of the Bible and someone that really knew The Word ! I’d say it’ll make it easier knowing he’s going to heaven but the loss for you all is Immense and just remember all the good times with him !! May peace be with y’all on the days ahead.
James Campbell
Monday, February 10, 2020
so sorry to hear the news , Heaven has another angel now
Ashley Ballman
Monday, February 10, 2020
One of the sweetest, kindest, spiritual souls I have ever met! I know he is dancing with Jesus and smiling down on us forever and always. Sending my love to the Grinders!
BJ & Katie Martin
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Sending our condolences, love & prayers
Carrla Querry
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Sister Grinder, Jeff and Jill, my deepest sympathy goes to you all. Praying for comfort from the Heavenly Father for each of you.
Mark clark
Sunday, February 9, 2020
My pastor, how i miss your talks. I will forever have memories of the times spent with you. I had that cup of coffee this morning that i had planned to have in person. You are in heaven now, so enjoy sure dad is glad to see you..miss you both. Much love... Sis. Brinda, Jeff,Jill, Aspen and MaCo, God will give you comfort and peace...love you..
Larry and Betty Smithson
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Brenda, you and the family are in our prayers in your time of sadness!
Gayle and Mark Mullenax
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Dear
Brenda, Jeff ,Jill and Grands so sorry to hear of your few at loss! We will continue to pray for you all. We’ll see
Ya soon! Br Roy Grinder I can hear you singing and playing the piano “Make me an instrument “.
Alicia Querry Lentner
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Dear Grinder family,
We pray that the comforting arms of our Heavenly Father surround each of you and bring His peace.
Alicia
Sheila Sharp
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Brenda and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Love you!!!
Jerry and Janis Robbins
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Brenda, Jeff, Jill and all your loved ones, we are so sorry for the passing of Brother Roy. We are shocked with this news. So many fond and happy memories when you were here pastoring in Greenbrier. We are praying for all of you, know that we will continue to call out your names to our Savior, knowing that He hears us each time. We love all of you, know that Brother Roy preached about being ready, and what Heaven would be like. He is there, enjoying all the splendor that he talked about so much. Knowing that you will all be reunited again some day. We love you all.
Angie Harris
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Sister Grinder, Jill and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Brother Grinder. He was such a wonderful man. I feel blessed to have sat under his teachings! I know his ministry touched many lives. Praying for comfort during this time.
Love,
Angie Harris
Leyon Bratton
Sunday, February 9, 2020
I havent seen Roy in long time.but still remember how spoiled I had him when he was a little tot.Then they ran off to California with him.just memories.
So sorry for your loss.Loved Roy a lot.
Sylvia Childers
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Dear Brenda and Jill and Jeff, we are so sorry for the passing of Bro.Grinder. he will be missed but will be United in heaven. Praying for God's comfort during this time of loss.