Robert Lindsay Grier, Jr. was born in Winston-Salem, NC on March 15, 1922 to the late Ruth and Robert Grier, Sr. He resided Winston-Salem and Kernersville, NC until his death on July 18, 2026.

Mr. Grier attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools and graduated from Simon G. Atkins High School. He attended North Carolina A&T State University.

Mr. Grier was a World War II Army Veteran where he served in the Army. He was stationed in Burma, India. While there he was chosen to become a member of a local military jazz band removing him from the front line of combat.

Robert was a hard worker providing for his family. In 1951, he joined the Winston-Salem Fire Department where he served for 30 years and retired. As history would have it, Robert along with other black men became the eight African American men to Fire Station #4, help integrate the Winston-Salem Fire Department. Upon retirement, Mr. Grier was a volunteer worker at North Carolina Baptist Hospital and the American Red Cross for several years.

He used his musical skills to play bass with the George Hill band and supper clubs throughout Winston-Salem and Greensboro. He also used his talents as a bass player for Mount Zion Baptist Church for many years. It was one of his ways of serving God.

He also anonymously donated food boxes to families in need and would also place packages on the porch.

He is preceded in death by his son, Kelly Grier, and grandson; siblings, Veritas Jones, Lawrence Grier, Lee Grier; his former wife, Margorie Grier.

Mr. Grier is survived by his children: Samuel Grier, Patricia Grier, Sandra Russell, Alvin (Gwen) Robinson, and Sheila Sutton; grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral service for Mr. Grier will be held at 12:30 PM, Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The family will greet friends 30 minutes prior to the service and from 6:00 PM ~ 8:00 PM, Wednesday, July 22, 2026 in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Sr. Enrichment Center.