Col. Bobby P. Tindell

Colonel Bobby P Tindell of Maitland Fl. passed away March 24, 2019 at AdventHealth Hospital in Winter Park Florida, Bob was 78 years young. Born in Waco Tx., his childhood was spent alongside his siblings, LaNelle, Frank and Kenneth. Bob attended Waco High School. His college education took him to Georgetown Tx. where earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Southwestern University and met the love of his life Sandy. They were married in Beaumont, Tx. in 1962. Soon after, Bob joined the US Air Force where his life of service to his country and his family joined together to shape an example to all who encountered him. Military life allowed for opportunities to experience many parts of the world while raising a family and receiving his Masters, the love of travel remained a constant thread in all the years to come. Bob and Sandy were incredible parents to their children, Tracey and Trent, raising them to become a reflection of their best qualities. In addition to having a daughter and a son, Bob and Sandy became American parents to Lena from Ukraine and Stephan from France who came to live with them as foreign exchange students and never lost touch over the years. Upon retiring from the Air Force after 28 years, Bob and Chuck West, who had also recently retired from the Air Force, founded a small company called ATW Custom Computer Services. At the end of 2004, Bob retired once again to pursue travel and focus on his family. Sandy always remained his inspiration and support on the road to all of his career achievements. The title Bob held most dear at home was Grampy. When his son, Trent, and wife, Liz, brought two girls, Caitlin and Tabitha, into his world life took on a new meaning for him. These girls grew up basking in the light of his love that always brought calm, safety and security even in the midst of Trent’s cancer diagnosis and 5 year battle with brain cancer. “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars” This quote from Khalil Gibran gives a glimpse in to Bob’s walk during that time of his life. He and the family walked beside Trent every step of the way never wavering in their support of Trent. After losing Trent, Bob stepped in to provide constant presence and support only he could give for his girls. He taught them how to drive, how to survive in the wild and how to live with abandon and never let a day pass them by. Caitlin and Tabitha have blossomed in to beautiful, independent, strong young ladies they are today, having soaked in the depth of Grampy’s character. Bob’s daughter Tracey and her husband Alex multiplied his joy of being Grampy with two more girls, Olivia and Megan. The pride and joy Bob felt when talking about them was palpable, his face lit up in that genuine smile we all know when he shared stories of their accomplishments, big or small. They are shining stars that only get brighter with each day thanks to Grampy and his never ending love for them. Bob’s heart shines bright in his actions and everyone he loved. Bob was an amazing listener, a skill many people work hard to acquire came naturally to him. The words he spoke were always full of acceptance of people around him and wisdom for the situation. His life exemplifies living to the fullest each and every day. Bob’s contribution to his country and local commerce was certainly significant, with Sandy’s support his career accomplishments stand out. At the same time thinking of Bob’s life brings a realization that sometimes a greatest accomplishment may not be something he did, but who he raised. He gracefully poured his life into his children, his grandchildren, friends and even other peoples’ children across the globe while holding nothing back. Bob raised a family that stands out in the world by the depth of character, strength and wisdom he possessed and passed on to them.

Col. Bobby P. Tindell

November 10, 1940 - March 24, 2019