Roger Evans Grigg

1948 - 2025

Roger Evans Grigg

March 17, 1948 - August 7, 2025

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - Roger Evans Grigg, age 77, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away on August 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 17, 1948 in Shelby, NC, Roger was the beloved son of the late Dargan Evans Grigg and the late Margaret Ruth Gold Grigg. He grew up in Clover, SC, where he developed a strong sense of duty, service, and community that would define his life.

Roger answered the call to serve when drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served with honor and distinction in Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, Americal Division, as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant (E-6). He was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and leadership under fire, he also received three Bronze Stars, one of which included the "V" device for Valor --- a testament to his courage and resolve.

After his military service, Roger graduated from the University of South Carolina, and then moved to Myrtle Beach, where he pursued a career in real estate and real estate development. His decades-long partnership with Don Leonard --- his friend, business partner, and "brother" for over half a century --- was a source of great professional and personal happiness. Roger was the president of Leonard, Grigg, and Associates, and together they were responsible for the development of over 10,000 lots and condominium units for national homebuilders and local investors.

Some of his favorite projects included Spring Lake, the first community in what is now known as Carolina Forest; The Mar Vista Grande, a Four Diamond-awarded oceanfront high-rise in North Myrtle Beach; The Tradition Golf Club in Pawleys Island, which was awarded Golf Digest's Best New Public Golf Course in 1996 and South Carolina's Golf Course of the Year in 2001; The Carolina Forest Town Centre; and Farrow Commons Shopping Center. Roger's work ethic and leadership left a lasting impact on colleagues and the community alike.

Roger was deeply committed to the Myrtle Beach community, where he generously gave his time and energy to a wide range of civic and charitable causes. A lifelong member of the Sertoma Club, he served as its president from 1984-1985, championing its mission of service to others, and was named Sertoman of the Year for 1987-1988. His presence was felt at First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach, where he was a devoted member. Roger played a key role in securing the land for the church's new sanctuary campus, which opened in 2019.

He also served for 10 years on the Board of the Dunes Golf and Beach Club and was elected president in 2015, contributing his leadership and vision to ensure the club's continued success for future generations. His service to the Dunes included overseeing design and strategic planning for several capital improvements and restoration efforts. He played a critical role in working with Horry County and the Army Corps of Engineers on the Singleton Swash Reconstruction Project.

Roger was also deeply passionate about conservation and land management. He worked with several organizations including the North American Land Trust, the Historic Ricefields Association, and Ducks Unlimited to help protect and preserve vital wildlife habitats for future generations. His unwavering dedication to both people and the environment left a lasting mark on the community he loved, and his influence will be felt for many years to come.

Above all, Roger was a devoted husband, parent, grandparent, and friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kimberly Grigg, with whom he shared twenty-nine years of marriage. Roger was the proud father of six children: Delia Grigg Bailey (John) of Chapel Hill, NC, Dargan Grigg (Kristi) of Myrtle Beach, Lorie McArdle (Sean) of Myrtle Beach, George Grigg (Sofiia) of Myrtle Beach, Grayanna Grigg of San Francisco, CA, and Holden Grigg of Myrtle Beach. He was a devoted grandfather to Logan Grigg, Charlotte and Oliver Bailey, and Lyna Grigg, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride. He is also survived by his first wife, Deborah Grigg, who is the mother of his two eldest children. His sister Elizabeth Grigg Gruber, and his brothers Harold Grigg and David Grigg preceded him in death.

Roger will be remembered for his generosity, quick wit, and joyful laugh. He loved playing golf with his sons and friends, hunting and fishing, and walking the land at his WillowBend farm. He made a mean chicken bog, had a soft spot for South Carolina peaches and chocolate chip cookies, and was a proud supporter of the South Carolina Gamecocks --- even when they didn't always love him back. More than anything, Roger will be remembered for the lasting legacy he leaves in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life with military honors will be held on August 22, 2025 at WillowBend (weather permitting). The McMillan-Small website will have updated information and times.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, Ducks Unlimited, or the charity of your choice.

"To leave the world a bit better...to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived --- that is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.