Timothy Alan Grell

At 77 years old, Timothy Alan Grell finally got his long-awaited new body, graduating to Heaven in the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 24, 2021. He passed at home where he wanted to be.
Tim was a man of few words, a humble demeanor, quick-witted quips, and an ultra-generous heart. He was born in 1944 in PA, the oldest of 5 children to William and Dortha Grell.   He grew up in the suburbs of L.A. graduating from St Johns Polytechnic High School.  While in High School he and 6 of his friends started a car club, The S.F.V. Protesters. Upon graduation he joined the US Navy, and on-loan to the US Marines, he served as a Hospital Corpsman flying helicopter medevacs.  At 23 yrs. old, while on a rescue mission, Tim caught a 30-caliber bullet and was gravely injured; the helicopter sustained 26 bullet holes on that flight. He spent more than a year stateside in the hospital paralyzed from the waist down, healing and learning to walk again.  While in the hospital he was awarded the distinguished Purple Heart. Tim spent the rest his life in the care of V.A. doctors for the effects of his wounds. In his mid-30’s he was diagnosed with a complicated heart issue, that would eventually take his life.  He never let his injuries nor his heart condition dictate his life; he adapted the best he could, working 30+ years of hard jobs including concrete work, construction, driving garbage trucks, lodge management, school maintenance and custodian, before being deemed totally disabled by the V.A.    
Tim was a member of Eastside Church and his strong faith in Jesus carried him through his roughest of days; his life was radically changed by the Lord. There will be a Celebration of his Life Friday, December 10th, 10 AM at Eastside Church in Prineville (3174 NE 3rd St.) He proudly served with the Band of Brothers Military Honor Guard; and joined the Crook County Rodders classic car club with his 1939 Buick Special and his 1953 International, forming many friendships in the various groups. He delivered Meals on Wheels, and was a Hospice volunteer in Prineville before his health declined.  
He is survived by the love of his life, Judy, of 19 years; his close cousin, Rick Grell (Sherri) of Bellville TX;  his brother Mark of Simi Valley CA;  his children, Tim Grell (Cherese) of Bakersfield, CA, Robby Grell (Christina Hamilton) of Tehachapi, CA,  Susie Peters (Russ) of Silver Lake WA, John Tingle of Longview WA, Autumn Gilles (Conor) of Portland, and his Bonus Family (Judy’s):  Jenna Miller of Portland, Dusty Miller (Megan) of Madras,  Steffany Cooley (Jeromy) of Prineville, and Leslie Colovos (Chris) of Bend.     Tim and Judy delighted in their combined 22 grandkids and 2 great-grands, creating the strong legacy  he leaves behind.  
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dortha Grell, brothers Thomas Grell and Billy Grell, and his sister Becky Grell Kelly.   
In lieu of flowers, Tim would be delighted if you make a donation to your favorite charity. 

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