Greg Venning
Selby Gregorie Venning III, known fondly as Greg, peacefully passed January 4, 2024, at his home on Smith Mountain Lake, VA, at the age of 72.
Born October 2, 1951, Greg was raised in Key West, Florida during his early childhood, and later moved to Roanoke, VA, and graduated from Cave Spring High School. He studied at the University of Miami School of Oceanography and finished his education with a business degree at Virginia Tech. Greg made Smith Mountain Lake his home for over 50 years.
A true pioneer in Smith Mountain Lake's real estate development. Greg's legacy is etched in the beautiful homes, docks, and waterfront communities he designed and built. His generosity extended to supporting the Smith Mountain Lake community, such as the SML Charity Home Tour, various ministries, and local churches, leaving an enduring impact.
Passionate about the great outdoors, Greg was most known for his love of fishing. Whether fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, or casting a line at his beloved Smith Mountain Lake home or in the Florida Keys, where his childhood passion was ignited, Greg is celebrated by those who know him as one of the greatest fishermen. He fished nearly every morning, often with a black lab by his side.
Greg is survived by his beloved wife, Valerie Giles Venning of Roanoke Virginia, his four daughters, Kristen Michelle Venning of Atlanta, Georgia, Jamie Venning Taylor and husband Zac Taylor and grandchildren Cash (4) and Wren (14 months) of Lynchburg, VA, Allison Rader Venning of Charlotte, NC, Lauren Gregorie Venning of Charlotte, NC, and their mother, Tara Rader Venning of Lynchburg VA, and his siblings: Laurie Venning Merritt (and Bill Merritt) of Atlanta, Georgia, Amy Venning Bordeaux (and Chris Bordeaux) of Smith Mountain Lake, and Frank Venning of Atlanta, Georgia, along with many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Selby Gregorie Venning II, and Beverly Heard Venning.
In place of flowers, the family requests donations to EastLake Community Church, 1201 Timberwood Ln., Moneta, Virginia 24121 honoring Greg's commitment to the community and his enduring personal love for God.
A celebration of life service will be held at EastLake Community Church, 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2024 with Pastor Troy Keaton officiating. Interment will follow in Promised Land Memorial Gardens. His family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount/Smith Mountain Lake.
