Robert Ray Vandergriff

Robert Ray Vandergriff

Knoxville - Robert Vandergriff (Bob) age 87, passed away January 30, 2021. He was a long-time member of Grace Baptist Church and was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Nancy, and siblings Al, Verlin, Herbert, and Betty.

Bob's story is a rags-to-riches tale; he was born into a depression-era home in the community of Happy Holler and was proud of it. His experiences there shaped his character and his life. His first job was delivering groceries on a bicycle in Happy Holler for a dollar a week, and he retired as owner of R. T. Clapp Care Centers in Knoxville and Oak Ridge.

His father died when he was seven years old. His mother then married a good man who turned out to be a great stepfather. The family moved to the Karns community where Bob had the most significant event of his life - he met the love of his life, Nancy Hendrickson. Bob liked to say, "She had me from hello." They married in 1953 and were married for sixty-five years until her death in 2019.

He was drafted into the Army shortly after they married, and it was then he got his first car. He loved to tinker with cars and learned that he had a real aptitude for anything mechanical. He worked as a mechanic but soon bought his own service station. He built and drove race cars and loved drag racing and dirt track racing.

Later he went to work for R. T. Clapp where he excelled as a mechanic and as a service manager. His boss at R. T. Clapp decided that Bob should join Oak Ridge Country Club. Bob was thirty-nine years old and had never played golf. Within a couple of years he became a scratch golfer and was a familiar sight around the country club. He liked nice clothes, big cars, and big cigars. He always had a cigar in his mouth (even while playing golf) and soon had the nickname, "Cigar." He also had a little laugh that came out when he hit a really good shot: "Heh, heh, heh. Where did that go?"

When the owner retired, Bob bought the business. He was an honest and forthright man and was proud to say that he treated his employees and his customers with honesty and respect. Many of his employees stayed with him for decades and so did his customers.

Nancy and Bob retired, but soon after retirement Nancy became debilitated. Bob stayed by her side - never left her side - for over twenty years. She was still the love of his life.

Bob's health deteriorated over the two years since Nancy's death. He told a doctor that he just wanted to live long enough and be healthy enough to walk his granddaughter down the aisle at her wedding. He was able to do that and walked proudly and smiling a huge smile.

He was at peace with God, his family, and his friends. He died a happy man.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Barbara Ann Farris; his children, Robert (Debbie) Vandergriff, David (Katie) Vandergriff, Jeniece (Dave) May and Valerie (Ronnie) White, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, Deacon Bill Bailey and family, and life-long friends, Don and Sue Reagan.

There will not be a receiving of friends due to Covid-19 concerns.

Graveside service will be at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Will meet at cemetery at 1:45 pm. Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com.

Weaver Funeral Home

5815 Western Ave.

Knoxville, TN 37921