Roderick Orrin Gragg

On April 1, 1965, Roderick Orrin Gragg was born at Holy Family
Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. He was the youngest of five sons
born to loving parents, Eleanor Stone Gragg and Edward Gragg. He
began his Christian experience and education at an early age while
attending Holy Family Catholic Church.

A proud graduate of Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School,
Class of 1983, Roderick made his mark not only in the classroom
but also on the basketball court. As a member of the mighty Holy
Family Tornados, he helped lead the team to the 1982 area and state
championships. During his senior year in 1983, the Tornados once
again captured the area championship and advanced to the state
championship final, finishing with an outstanding 28-1 record. His
passion, teamwork, and hard work on the court were a source of pride
for his family. Roderick went on to attend Alabama A&M University
after graduation from high school.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Our Divine Father granted
Roderick his Heavenly wings and called him home.
Roderick's passing marks the end of an era
and generation for the Gragg family. He
was preceded in death by his parents, Edward
and Eleanor Gragg, and brothers, Derrick Sr.,
Michael, Courtney, and Clifton. He is survived by
his nephews, Derrick (Sanya), Terrence (Cozetta),
and Edward Michael; nieces, Casandre (Xavier),
Derricka, and Kametra; and several grandnephews
and nieces. He is also survived by lifelong friends,
Darren Atkins, Charles Hale, James Ruddie
Watts, Jr., and his Tornado teammates.

Roderick will be remembered for his love
of family, his competitive spirit, and
commitment to those he loved most. His
legacy will live on in the lives he touched
and in the history of Holy Family
athletics. He will always be missed but
never forgotten. May he rest in eternal
peace.