Gerald J. "Jerry" Grindle

Gerald James "Jerry" Grindle of Church Creek, MD, departed this life on August 14, 2012 at Chesapeake Woods Center in Cambridge at the age of 75. He died as he lived, with courage, determination, great love and faith. Born June 20, 1937 in the coal mining town of South Greensburg, PA, Jerry was a big brother to nine siblings and helper to his parents, James and Bertha Emery Grindle.

As a young man, Jerry attended South Greensburg Methodist Church, whose pastor brought him to Church Creek to visit his former church. Here, Jerry met and fell in love with Joan Brannock, and they married on August 20, 1960 at White Haven UMC. They cherished each day of their nearly 52 years together. The greatest joy in Jerry's life was his wife and family, his children James D. Grindle and Jenifer Grindle Dolde, his son-in-law Carl Dolde, and his grandchildren Josef and Cleora Dolde.

A 1955 graduate of Greensburg High School, Jerry spent 6 years in the Army and Army Reserves. He was employed by Farmers & Merchants National Bank (later 1st National/AllFirst) for 30 years, where he rose from teller to regional branch manager. In 1991, Jerry was elected Dorchester County Treasurer and served until his retirement in 2006. He also served as commissioner and then mayor of Church Creek from 1971-1991. Jerry found success thanks to hard work, his reputation for integrity and the network of relationships he built through caring service.

Jerry spent most of his adult life restoring and improving the Victorian home he and Joan have shared since 1964. A seasoned do-it-yourselfer, he passed on his carpentry and handyman skills on to his children, who helped with and benefited from his numerous projects over the years. Fishing was Jerry's fondest leisure activity along with eating his wife's excellent cooking, and they worked together each year to plant a large garden. Jerry was a great lover of music and relished attending his grandchildren's band performances.

Helping others in Christian love was important to Jerry. He served on the Board of the Salvation Army for 20 years. As a longtime member of White Haven UMC, Jerry served in many offices, as well as youth leader. Every Sunday morning, his strong voice could be heard singing "lustily and with good courage," as John Wesley directed.

Diagnosed with leukemia 16 years ago, Jerry survived a serious setback in 2000 and experienced over 11 miraculous years of remission until he faced a new stage four cancer this year. Even as he battled his illness, Jerry accepted God's will, devoted his energy to spending time with loved ones, and died surrounded by friends and family.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Jerry is survived by his brothers Wayne Grindle of Leesburg, VA, Richard and Dennis Grindle of Greensburg, PA, and Jack Grindle of West Sunbury, PA; and his sisters Vanessa Palmore of Warsaw, VA and Beverly Lauffer, Lois Rhodes and Cheryl Grindle of Greensburg, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Grindle.

A memorial service celebrating Jerry's life will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 2 p.m. at White Haven United Methodist Church in Church Creek, Maryland. Visitation with the family will take place prior to the service from 12:30-2 p.m. Interment at Old Trinity Episcopal Church will be private. Arrangements have been made by Thomas Funeral Home, P.A.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803 or to White Haven United Methodist Church c/o Jeanne Ewell, 5134 Paw Paw Point Road, Cambridge, MD 21613.