Dr. Robert "Bob" L. Grete

Dr. Robert L. Grete, a respected member of the Niceville community and co-founder of Rocky Bayou Christian School, went to be with his Lord on December 24, 2024, at the age of 88. Dr. Grete was survived by his faithful wife, Katherine (Trinky) Grete (who was the love of his life) and his six devoted children - Kathy, Bill, Mari, Bobby, Nancy and Brian.  Dr. Grete and Trinky are the cherished grandparents of thirty-two grandchildren and thirty-seven great grandchildren (with two on the way).

Dr. Grete graduated from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point where he was a member of the undefeated national champion lacrosse team.  After being commissioned in 1958, he served his country for more than 20 years as an Officer in the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Lt Col. As a decorated pilot, Dr. Grete logged more than 5,700 flying hours, which included almost 800 hours in combat as a forward air controller during the Vietnam War. Dr. Grete earned two Silver Stars, two Meritorious Service Medals, thirteen Air Medals and an Army Commendation Medal.

During the later part of his Air Force career and following his retirement, Dr. Grete co-founded Rocky Bayou Christian School in Niceville, Florida. As the highly respected, biblically based college preparatory school, Dr. Grete served as the school’s first superintendent for over 30 years.  This life’s work was built upon his professional expertise as an instructor first at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and later at Troy State University, the University of Maryland, and Okaloosa-Walton Junior College, now known as Northwest Florida State College. Dr. Grete also served as an elder on the session of Grace Presbyterian Church (OPC) and was a long-time member of the Twin Cities Ministerial Association, providing his assistance as the organization’s treasurer.

Dr. Grete earned a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1958 and a Master of Arts in political science from Baylor University in 1963. He conducted graduate work at Columbia University through 1967 where he was a  dissertation short of earning his doctorate. Later he earned a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University in 1972, and an Honorary Doctorate of Pedagogy from Clearwater Christian College in 1999. The recipient of a Citizenship Education Teacher Award in 2000, Dr. Grete attributes his long-term success to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Creator of all things.

A celebration of his life will be held at Rocky Bayou Baptist Church in Niceville. A viewing and visitation has been scheduled from 9 to 10 with a celebration of life service following at 10.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He will direct your path.”

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