Ralph A. Gruendling of Anderson, SC passed into the presence of his Savior on August 20, 2022, one day short of his 95th birthday. He was preceded in death by his faithful and loving wife, Almeda Marie-Wilt Gruendling. Born in New Kensington, PA he was the only son of Elizabeth Green Gruendling and Charles Gustav Gruendling of Miami Shores, FL. He was the last surviving member of his blended family being preceded in death by his half brothers and sisters, Charles Matthew Gruendling, William C. Gruendling, Dorothy Hauenstein, Isabel Vandervalk and Jane Cowart. He is survived by his sons James F. Nelson, and his wife Natalie of Ocala, FL. and Reverend Ralph C. Gruendling and his wife Rebecca of Anderson, SC. He is also survived by, grandson Matthew Nelson, his wife Angela, great-grandchildren Tyler Austin Glamuzina, Steven Anthony Nelson; granddaughter Caren Nelson - Johnson, her husband Randy and great-grandchildren, Ashley Megan Rayzor, James Lee Rayzor, Callie Rayne Johnson, Robert Stephens Johnson; grandson Charles Caleb Gruendling, and his wife Lauren, great-granddaughter Olivia Jane; and grandson Seth Robert Gruendling. Mr. Gruendling served in the United States Coast Guard at the close of WWII and was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, European-Middle Eastern Africa Campaign Medal, and WWII Victory Medal. He competed his military service having received an honorable discharge. For most of his work life he engaged in the mechanical trades at which he was very proficient. His rank when discharged from the Coast Guard was Fireman 1st Class. He became a certified commercial aircraft mechanic working at both Miami International and Opa-locka Airports in south Florida, often being promoted to managerial positions. Late in his career, he transitioned to the public ground transportation industry as a bus mechanic for the Metro Transit Authority, Dade County Florida. He served as a volunteer bus driver evangelizing and bringing unchurched families to New Testament Church in Miami FL. After retiring to Anderson, SC he served as an activity bus driver transporting students of Oakwood Christian School to educational activities and sporting events. Mr. Gruendling's family will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home, 2211 North Main Street, Anderson, SC, on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow in the Chapel at 3:00 p.m. and will be led by his son, Rev. Ralph C. Gruendling. The service will be livestreamed and viewable on the funeral home website. Interment will be at a later date at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to any of the following ministries which Mr. Gruendling or his family have served. Downtown Ministries (https://downtownministries.org/): Founded as an initiative of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Athens, GA, Downtown Ministries seeks to build consistent relationships with Athens youth and their families through programs that demonstrate Christ-centered hope and encouragement. Missionary Flights ( www.missionaryflights.org): This ministry exists to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in partnership with Bible-centered missions by providing reliable transportation and logistical services flying missionaries and their equipment to their respective fields with a focus on the Caribbean. Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County (https://www.habitatanderson.org/give): Habitat seeks to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Events Visitation Sunday, September 11, 2022 2:00PM - 3:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Memorial service Sunday, September 11, 2022 3:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343