Dennis Edward Gragg
Dennis Edward Gragg entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 20, 2025. He was 89 years of age. He passed away peacefully at his home in Concord, Virginia surrounded by loved ones.
Born in a rock house outside of Melvern Kansas, he was the son of Verlin B. Gragg and Leona May Gragg, the oldest of their 3 children. He attended school in Melvern, where he quickly acquired the nickname ‘Red’, due to his thick, curly, RED hair. After High School graduation, Dennis joined the US Air Force, where he proudly served our country for 20 years. He was stationed in Kansas, Texas, Florida, California and Washington DC. Beale Air Force Base in California was one of only 2 locations in the country that could land both the giant C-5 Starlifter, as well as the sleek and fast SR-71, and Dennis got to work with both. During his Air Force career, he achieved the rank of Senior Master Sargent. His position with SAC (Strategic Air Command) sent him overseas to serve in Guam, Germany, Turkey, Lebanon, Okinawa and Vietnam. His final assignment with the Air Force stationed him at the Pentagon to work with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Upon retirement from the Air Force, he moved to Appomattox, Virginia, where he worked with family members growing Lane’s Aquarium. He then served as the first Appomattox County Administrator. His other post-Air Force Jobs included the honor of being appointed Executive Director of the Central Virginia Planning District Commission, where he worked tirelessly on the Region 2000 initiative. He was also the Manager of Emanual Tire Company. Finally, at 82 years young, he purchased and operated Yogurt Yeti, a frozen yogurt shop in Lynchburg. Through all of this, from his early days in the Air Force, to the Spring of 2025, he owned and operated Gragg’s Tax and Bookkeeping Service, doing taxes for people from every state in the nation.
Dennis was a member of the Masonic Lodge, as well as American Legion post #104 in Appomattox. He was an active member of Campbell Avenue Baptist Church in Lynchburg, serving as deacon. Dennis was previously a member of Thomas Terreace Baptist church, where he helped begin a bereavement ministry for those dealing with loss…an interest he developed during his time as a volunteer at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Dennis was preceded in death by his first wife of 37 years, Mary Sue (Willhoit) Paxton Gragg,
and one step-son, Louis D. Williams, Jr.
He is survived by his current wife of 23 years, Glenda (Beryl) Williams Gragg.
He is also survived by 9 step-children:
Benna Boutty of Oviedo, Florida, Ron Paxton and wife JoAnn of Bristol, Tennessee, Garry Paxton and wife Linda of Tavares, Florida, Don Paxton and wife Teena of Abingdon, Virginia, Terry Paxton of Appomattox, Virginia, Beckie Nix and husband Paul of Concord, Virginia, all from his first marriage.
Sheila Vernoy of Altavista, Virginia, Laurie A. Williams of Altavista, Virginia, and Jeffrey A. Williams, Sr of Oak Hill, West Virginia, all from his current marriage.
He leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, and dozens of cherished nieces and nephews.
Dennis is also survived by 2 beloved sisters; Sharon Gulyban of LaFeria, Tx, and Sheila O’Rear and husband Bud of Harlingen, Texas.
A ‘Celebration of Life’ memorial service will be held on Friday, November 28th at 1:00pm at Robinson Funeral Home in Appomattox, Virginia. Please save the date and plan to attend.
