Name: Visitation for Robert "Bob" Sawyer
Start: 2025-08-22T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-08-22T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Forbis & Dick Guilford Chapel

Robert "Bob" Sawyer

December 22, 1936 - August 17, 2025

Robert R. "Bob" Sawyer, age 88, of Greenville, North Carolina, passed away on August 17, 2025. Born to the late Lawrence Emmett Sawyer and Frances Fulk Sawyer, Bob lived a full life marked by dedication to family, community, and countless friendships.

A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Grimsley High School, in the Robert R. Sawyer Gymnasium. Family and friends are invited to gather the evening prior for visitation on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at Forbis and Dick – Guilford Chapel, 5926 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27410.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Greensboro News & Record on Aug. 21, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Sawyer

Sponsored by Forbis & Dick Funeral Service - Guilford Chapel.

12 Entries

David Blue

August 28, 2025

Coach Sawyer was the type of person that if you listened to him for at least two minutes, more often than not you would learn something very worthwhile. Excellent coach, teacher and athletic director. As great as he was in all of those roles, he was an even better person.

Ted Sanders

August 28, 2025

Coach Sawyer was instrumental in teaching me discipline and dedication since the early '60's. What he imparted to me reached much
beyond the realm of sports creating strong foundations for confronting a good life's journey. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Coach...

Mike Bailey

August 25, 2025

I ran track for 2 years under Coach Sawyer during the 1971 and 1972 years. He was a man who only wanted the best for all his athletes. Our cross country team got to visit with him for a couple of hours 5 or 6 years ago...it was a true blessing to be able to reminisce about those memories with him. I am going to miss him. RIP Coach!
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jim Tingen

August 24, 2025

A dove for Coach Sawyer until I graduated in 72. I have the upmost respect for Coach Sawyer. He was always a mentor and a motivator, even though he was not a formal diving coach he would take us to freshman meets and have the College diving coaches give us a few tips. We always enjoyed riding with him to Meets especially to East Carolina in Greenville, where we stop by the barbecue place on the way. I was in the car with Coach Sawyer when John Dewey became sick coming from the Atlanta Meet. Coach wrote a great tribute to John Dewey. Rest in peace Coach.

Steve sanders

August 23, 2025

Bob was a great coach and friend. I swam GSA Lindley pool 1960s and then football grimsley 1972-3

David Feagins

August 22, 2025

Bob was an outstanding teacher, coach, administrator, and an exceptional parent. It was always a joy to converse with Bob. I fondly remember the pride I felt when he entrusted me with driving Number 55. He is a legend and epitomizes all
that is wonderful about professional educators. We hold Bob's family and him in the Light.

neal craven

August 22, 2025

Coach Sawyer was a great coach and valued friend. I am a coach now for east Carolina Aquatics in Washington, NC and I often refer to the lessons he taught me. My prayers go out to his family. Neal Craven

Larry W Wells

August 22, 2025

Good man.
From Page grad who practiced track at Grimsley.
God bless.

Rick Kinard

August 21, 2025

Coach Sawyer was one of my few idols and mentors. He taught me the discipline and dedication to continued improvement in life as well as swimming. At 72, I still swim 3-4 days a week and do open water swims. My one regret is not
swimming my senior year in high school. Now I know it was burn out. There was no concept of that in 1971. He made such an impact on so many young athelets. I am so glad I got to see him 2 years ago at his reunion. My condolences go out to his family and all indivduals influenced by him

Robert Willett

August 21, 2025

One of the finest men I ever met. He never stopped serving the Whirlie community. If God has a swimming team he now has a great swimmer.

Grundy McCall

August 21, 2025

Dear Sawyer family,
Coach Sawyer was true gentleman and true example of a humble leader. He did whatever it took to get things done in a quiet manner who led the way with hard work. My dad had the privilege of working with Coach Sawyer at Grimsley and very much valued their relationship. Grimsley was very blessed to have him at the forefront for so many years and setting the tone for their wonderful athletic reputation . People like Coach Sawyer are hard to find and we truly lost an icon.
Grundy McCall

Dr. Ted Burnett

August 21, 2025

I was on Coach's first state swimming championship team at Grimsley and swam AAU with him for several years. Coach Sawyer truly embodied what the title " Coach " means. His influence in my life was invaluable as it was for so many of his athletes!

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results