Obituary of Robert Jack Gragg

Robert Jack Gragg died in Christ on February 3, 2022. Born in Boone, North Carolina on February 1, 1942, he is the son of the late Jack Allen and Mary Lea White Gragg. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Judy Greer Gragg; two daughters, Annette Gragg Lovrich and husband Bill, and Mary Elizabeth Huckabee and husband Seth; six grandchildren, Emma, Ezra, Josiah, Eve, and Eden Huckabee, and Jordan Reeder. He also leaves a caring and devoted sister, Mary Frank Poe, a loving sister-in-law, Roslyn Smith Gragg, and numerous special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dedicated nephew, Stephen V. Poe, his warmhearted brother-in-law, Robert A. Poe, and his close brother and best friend, William "Larry" Gragg. Early in his youth, Robert joined and was baptized in First Baptist Church of Boone where he was a lifelong member. During his lifetime, he served as youth Sunday school teacher and young adult group leader. In his later years he attended First Presbyterian Church of Boone with his wife, Judy. He was a devoted member of the Boone Rotary Club, with many years of perfect attendance, for which he served as president and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Robert graduated from Appalachian High School in 1960 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served until 1967. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy, in Blowing Rock on July 1, 1961. After serving in the Navy, Robert worked in research and development and engineering technology at IBM in Research Triangle Park, NC. No matter where his travels took him, Robert always knew that he wanted to return home to live in the mountains of North Carolina. In 1972, Robert and his family moved to Boone to be close to family. Many knew Robert as IT Manager of Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, where he was a beloved employee for the past 20 years. From an early age, Robert was an avid photographer and videographer, recording many memories for family and friends. He enjoyed capturing photos and videos, cataloguing them, and sharing them. Robert was a successful high school and church league basketball player. An avid sportsman, he could often be found with his family cheering on the Watauga High School Pioneers, UNC Tar Heels, Charlotte Hornets, or the Carolina Panthers. Robert was a devoted and loving son, husband, father, and grandpa. He delighted in teaching his children and grandchildren about computers, sports, and how to fish. He spent many hours untangling fishing line and tackle in his lifetime. Fond memories of Robert include seeing him drive his '57 Chevy, playing Wii with his family, taking his children and their friends sledding on the roads in Kalmia Acres, riding tractor inner tubes down the graveyard hill, and providing a ride home from the school bus on the tailgate of his Blazer, which he used to push snow for many in in the neighborhood. One of Robert's delights was making breakfast each morning for his beloved wife, Judy. Some of his favorite times were when he gathered his children and grandchildren for family trips to Walt Disney World, Dollywood and a Disney cruise to celebrate his and Judy's 50th wedding anniversary. With a servant's heart, Robert delighted in helping others and bringing a smile to their faces and joy to their hearts. When Robert greeted people, he was always ready with a firm handshake, a big grin, a twinkle in his eyes, and, especially, a joke. Ever kind, he loved making others laugh. A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date. Robert and Judy decided long ago that since they spent so many special years together, they wanted to hold a joint memorial service at the time both had passed. The family would be grateful for donations to be made in Robert's name to Brushes for Vincent (http://brushesforvincent.org/#) or Samaritan's Purse (samaritanspurse.org). Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfunerahome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Gragg family.