Butch and Kathy Gragg

Butch and Kathy Gragg passed away Sunday, May 6, 2012 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Harold Matthew Gragg was born March 12, 1948 in Black Mountain where he lived his entire life and was known to most as Butch and Bear. Kathryn Elizabeth Whitson Gragg was born September 15, 1953. She spent her childhood in Buckeye Cove in Swannanoa and was fondly known as Kathy. Butch retired from ABF Logistics as a truck driver with over 30 years of service. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps serving during Vietnam where he earned two purple hearts and a silver star. Kathy helped organize the Carver School Reunions and was a Girl Scout Leader for 11 years. She was employed with First Union Bank, Buncombe County Health Department and most recent, Sam’s Club. They were married on November 29, 1972 and had three children whom they loved dearly. They were very loving and doting parents, who would go great lengths to support their children at sporting events, graduations across the world, or just taking the time to Skype with them on the computer. Butch and Kathy enjoyed having a good time, celebrating life with their family and friends. Their favorite past time was traveling with special friends, Myrtle and Wilbert Lytle. They were “best friends”, “parents”, and “supporters” to many. They knew no strangers and loved to brag about their children to any and every body. Butch and Kathy are survived by their loving children, Harold Matthew Gragg, Jr. of Columbia, SC, Harelda Mavis Gragg of Washington, DC, and Harena Monica Gragg of Osaka, Japan. In addition to their children, Butch is survived by his mother, Evelyn Nabors Bristol; his sisters, Cecilia Lytle, Paulette Brownlee (Chuck), and LaShae Gragg; brothers, Michael Thomas Gragg (Connie), Ellis Keeter, Johnathan Keeter, Everett Keeter and Eric Gragg. Butch and Kathy are also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. Those who knew Butch and Kathy will remember them for their candor, laughter, passion, loving nature and devotion to their family and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, May 18, 2012 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church, Black Mountain. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Burial will be in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Friday, May 18 at 2:00 pm with military graveside rites. A Coming Home Service will be Friday, May 18 at 3:00 pm at Christmount, Aldridge Hall. The Gragg children plan to wear their parents’ Harley Davidson shirts in honor of their love of Harley’s. They invite you to do so as well.