Charles A. Grinnen III, 71, of Warren, died March 27, 2014 at the Good Shepherd Somers Hospice House in Sebring, FL.  He was born on July 17, 1942 in Buffalo, NY.  He grew up in Oil City, PA, and had many fond memories of his years living there.  He moved to Warren in 1959 where he attended the former Warren High School for one year before it closed its doors for a newer school.  He was a proud member of the class of 1961, the first class to graduate from Warren Area High School.  During his two years as a dragon, Charles was a powerful force on the football and wrestling teams.  He often talked proudly of his time playing football and baseball at War Memorial Field and wrestling in the new high school's gymnasium.

Upon graduation, Charles enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country from 1961-1965.  He excelled in competitive tennis during his tenure in the Air Force.  Charles met the love of his life, Nancy Culbertson Grinnen, as a school boy during his Oil City days.  They were married on May 2, 1964, in Oil City.  Chuck and Nancy resided in Warren after his service in the Air Force.  He was employed with Sylvania for several years as a truck driver and machinist and Crossett, Inc. as a dispatcher. He retired from Crossett, Inc. in 2004.  While enjoying their retirement years, Chuck and Nancy resided in Avon Park, FL, during the winter months.  They were blessed with many great friends during their Florida winters.

Charles lived life to the fullest.  He had a passion for sports and the outdoors.  He was extremely proud of his three sons and 5 grandchildren.  Charles was truly a man's man.  He would do anything to help someone in need.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Nancy; three sons, Charles A. Grinnen IV and his wife Bonnie, Scott C. Grinnen and his wife Jodi, all from Warren, and James L. Grinnen and his wife Rowena from York, PA.  He is also survived by a brother, James V. Grinnen and his wife Marilyn of Weems, VA, and a sister, Jacqueline J. Wallin and her husband Gary of Russell.  Charles will be dearly missed by his 5 grandchildren, Charlie Grinnen, Alex Grinnen, Toby Grinnen, Lacey Grinnen, and Leda May Grinnen, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Charles A. Grinnen, Jr. and Helen I. Grinnen; he is preceded in death by his sister, Carolee Heckathorn; his grandson, Emmett Charles Grinnen; and his in-laws Carl and Ruth Culbertson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at 11:30 a.m., at the North Warren Presbyterian Church, 200 South State Street, North Warren with Rev. Marcus Briggs and Rev. Burfoot Ward, co-officiating. Burial will be in the Lamey Cemetery, Oakland, PA.