Robert John Tindell Sr.

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Posted by: Sorrells Funeral Home
Date: Jul 12 2024 3:03 PM

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude, we announce the passing of Robert John Tindell, Sr., a man whose life was defined by love, adventure, and enduring impact. He passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024 in his home. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Naomi Lea Tindell and Father David Lester Tindell of Bandon, Oregon. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Rene Taylor Tindell, his children, Cheryl Tindell Piccinini, Robert John Tindell Jr. and their Mother Valerie Ann Tindell Lents, Step Sons Kyle Norris, Todd Norris, his Sisters Sandy and Diana Tindell, his Brother Gene Marvin Sampson, Grandchildren Brandon David Piccinini, Nicholas Hunter Piccinini, Matthew Norris, Bradley Norris, Kelsey Norris, and Piper Norris, His Best Friends June “Dee” Hamilton, Mark Hamilton, and Mansoor Ghorbani, and his beloved Nieces and Nephews.

Our Dad was loved beyond reason by so many. He lived his life on his terms embracing the paradoxes that made him uniquely remarkable. He could be crazy, loving, difficult, and inspirational all in the same breath. He cheated at games, could win an argument without being right, and embraced life with an authenticity that was both endearing and real. His ability to teach life lessons, create lasting memories, and impart invaluable skills to those around him was unparalleled. Bob was never afraid to express his emotions or thoughts. His  spontaneity and zest for life made every moment with him an adventure. In his own words, "Life is about Choices." Bob chose to live fully and love fiercely. Many hours were spent by many, sitting in a rocking chair or a group leaning against the rail of his porch, receiving his words of wisdom. As his daughter, I usually did the opposite of what he said, but I’m sure he was aware of this and structured the advice accordingly. You were never the same after having met him. 

He was born on October 2, 1948 and grew up in Bandon, Oregon. He loved his hometown of Bandon and shared its magic with everyone he could.  Emerging from humble beginnings, he turned his life into a treasure trove of experiences and love for his family. As a young boy he hunted to feed his family and at 14 was shipped off to a Dairy Farm in Eastern Oregon to help with their support; He was given 2 Pendleton shirts and Levi’s when he went back home. He excelled beyond his wildest dreams and made sure to offer that opportunity to his family and continued this support throughout his entire life. It is from these beginnings that he created the life and legacy he has. He attributes this to his Military Service.

He was so many things to so many people. He was Dad, Papa, Uncle Bob, and “Bob” to his best friends, and above all else he was a Soldier.

As a highly decorated soldier, Bob’s military career was marked by exceptional bravery and dedication. He became a United States Marine in July of 1966, where he served three tours in Vietnam. He was in the Infantry and also a Military Police Dog Handler. As a United States Marine he received Four Purple Hearts (he only acknowledges three), Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (3), Vietnam Service Medal (4) – 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. 

In 1970 he began his long and Distinguished career in the United States Army. He was a true Soldier and served at the pleasure of the Army. He spent time as a Drill Sergeant, Recruiter and Station Commander, Master Sergeant, First Sergeant, and was responsible for the training of thousands of Soldiers. He was stationed all over the world and retired as a First Sergeant in 1987 after 21 years of service to his country. He was decorated with Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal – 1 Silver and 2 Bronze stars, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Good Conduct Medal (6), Army Achievement Medal – (3), NCO Professional Ribbon (3), National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal (3), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service, USA Gold Recruiter Badge, German Army Marksmanship Badge in Silver (2), Expert .45 Pistol, and Expert M-16 Rifle. He was succeeded in Service by his son Specialist Robert John Tindell Jr, and continues to be by Grandson CPT Brandon Piccinini, and Nephew 1LT Sean Nack. Upon retirement, he went on to be an equally successful Real Estate Agent at Virgil Adams Real Estate (Olympia, WA) and fulfilled his life long dream of on living on his sailboat, “The Soldier”, before moving to Enterprise, AL in 2003 to be closer to his grandchildren.

His service is a testament to his profound love for his country.

Yet, his deep love for his family always took precedence. He was an amazing father, which cannot even be expressed in words. He loved and spoiled with his whole heart, he made sure we experienced everything life had to offer, providing rich and diverse experiences for his children, grandchildren, and friends. From spontaneous trips to Rome when studying the ancient city to weekend adventures yodeling with the windows down while traveling down Highway 101; Bob ensured life was a grand adventure. He took annual trips all over the world with his Son, Brother, and Best Friend and continued his journey of exploration and bonding up to the very end. No matter what life achievements are written here, he was truly best at being Papa. He was a grandfather, like no one else. He set the bar high for his Grandsons, which are many, and the same standards for his Granddaughters and his love and guidance shaped their lives profoundly. He spoiled them beyond belief and despite protests, just could not help himself. 

Rest in peace, Dad. Your legacy of love and adventure lives on in each of us, your memory, stories, and quirks will continue forever in our hearts. You leave behind a family rich in memories and gratitude for a life well-lived. Your spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all, in addition to making us spontaneously bust out in laughter. 

We love you and as always, God Bless the Army. 

He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in early spring.

The family is requesting, that donations be made in lieu of flowers to Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org) or SOS Animal Shelter (https://www.sosshelter.com/donate).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert John Tindell Sr., please visit our floral store.

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