Robert Franklin Dinges, Sr. born on 9 May 1953 in Shenandoah, VA, passed away on 8 September 2024 in Owens Cross Roads, AL. Rob’s parents Pauline (died 9 December 2017) and Alvah Dinges (died 11 October 1976) raised him as the eldest of three boys to know God, to have a work ethic that can only come from working on a farm, and to be of service to others. There’s a well-known story of him wading a path through snow to get the cows out of the barn. Rob wanted to see more of the world than the slice of bucolic Virginia where he grew up; and he did just that. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1971 at the age of 18 after graduating from Shenandoah High School. He never said it, but many suspected he did not want to work in the snow with cows.
In his 25-year Naval career, Rob visited numerous countries. Italy was his favorite as he loved history. But that man also loved a good meal; and he had many during his multiple trips there. Most of his career was spent in Virginia, which he explored by motorcycle, became a serious weight lifter, played so much softball, made lifelong friends, and took night courses to earn his college degree. He was an instructor for a large part of his career and mentored many Sailors who came back to him to seek his advice throughout their careers.
Rob met his beautiful bride, Vickie (née Shaw), on 5 October 1985 on a blind date set up by friends, and married 23 May 1987. His proposal is famous as he loved regaling his kids and grandkids with that story, along with his stories of Naval service and life at sea. His five children knew him as someone who spent time with them playing badminton, croquet, hiking portions of the Appalachian trail, fishing, chopping down trees like it was sport, planning family vacations and trips to amusement parks. In his role as Papa to his grandchildren, he and beautiful bride Vickie spent time planning adventures for them and going to great lengths to visit them. His family will remember him for praying before dinner and always including those military members deployed throughout the world in protection of our country; and in recent years including health care workers and the people of the Middle East. May his memory be forever a blessing.
Rob will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, loyalty, integrity, and great pride and love for his friends and family. He is survived by his loving wife Vickie Dinges; their children: Shawna Densmore, Missy Ells (Michael George), Christopher Densmore (Jesi Densmore), Tanya Dinges Self (John-Michael) and Robert Dinges, Jr. (Lynne); grandchildren Alec Greer, Addison Greer, Gabby Self, Reagan Ells, Jacob Moore, Avery Moore, Alexander Dinges, Jaxon Dinges, and Olivia Dinges; and his brothers Ron Dinges and Tom Dinges.
The family extends their gratitude to The Southern Cancer Center of Huntsville for the care and kindness Rob received from the staff. In lieu of flowers, please send donations so they can continue their support of cancer patients. The Southern Cancer Center of Huntsville, 201 Sivley Road SW, #200, Huntsville, AL 35801.
The service to honor and celebrate Rob’s life will be held on 15 September at 4:00 PM at Cove Baptist Church located at 3229 Old Highway 431 Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763. At a later date, the family will lay him to rest at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.
