Harry Grogg

Harry Junior Grogg, 94, passed peacefully at his home in Rawley Springs, VA, on June 2, 2026, surrounded by the place he loved and had called home for 70 years. Junior was born in Stoney Run, WV, on May 15, 1932, the youngest son of the late William Harry Grogg and Caddie Waggy Grogg. He was the last surviving of their five sons and was preceded in death by his brothers Curtis, Russell, Otis, and Everette. Junior was a true West Virginian at heart and often said he felt most at peace when he reached the top of Shenandoah Mountain. He was a devoted family man, a proud veteran who served in the 101st Airborne and as a military policeman in the Army, and a man whose quiet strength carried his family through the years. After returning home from service, he married the love of his life, Lucille Maxine Joseph, on February 19, 1955. Together, Junior and Maxine built a life centered on family, hard work, and love, raising their six children until her passing on November 6, 1997. Even after her death, Junior would often say he would never find another to marry, a reflection of the deep love he carried for her all his life.

Junior found joy in the simple, honest things of life. He loved animals and cared for ponies, cows, chickens, rabbits, and many coon dogs over the years. He kept big gardens that helped feed Maxine and the children, and he never shied away from hard work. Throughout his life, Junior worked many jobs, including tire work for Doug Pearce, timber cutting and hauling, and construction for OL Mathias and VW Nesselrodt. In his later years, one of his greatest passions was building and restoring antique tractors. He loved bringing old things back to life and often said he had never seen a tractor he couldn’t make livable again. To his family, he was one of the hardest workers they had ever known, and the lessons he gave his children stayed with them: “Show up for work, do what you’re told, and do it right.”

Along with restoring tractors, enjoying breakfast at L&S Diner, and keeping up with everyone’s business in his own way, Junior especially loved spending time in West Virginia with his dear friend Dover Harper on his farmland. Many Saturdays were spent there together, checking on the farm, tending the cows, making hay, and working on tractors. Those days were some of the moments he cherished most.

In addition to his brothers, Junior was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew Burkett, and his nephews, Ricky Grogg and Mike Grogg. He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly: his children, Theodore Keith Grogg (Lori Grogg), Dawn Thomason (Daren Thomason), Kevin Grogg (Cathy Grogg), Denise Custer (Jimmy Custer), Dana Hiles (Jimmy Hiles), and Dorenda Brooks (Tommy Brooks); 17 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

The family would like to offer their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to his daughter, Dana Hiles and son in law Jimmy Hiles, with whom he made his home, for the love, devotion, and tender care they gave him over the past 30 years. The selfless commitment, compassion, and constant presence were a true blessing in his life and a gift to their entire family. Dana not only cared faithfully for Junior but also had a special way of bringing the family together to love and support him. Junior’s memory will live on in the stories, values, and love he shared with all who knew him.

A public family night will be held at McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg, VA, on Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

A funeral service on Monday, June 8, at 10 a.m. at McMullen Funeral Home Chapel, all of Junior’s family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate his life. Burial will follow at Rawley Springs Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.