Thomas Gragg

Thomas L. Gragg LAKE WYLIE - Thomas L. Gragg, 91, died peaceably on August 22, 2014. Born March 27, 1923 in Caldwell County, NC Tom was raised in Blowing Rock, NC. Following graduation from high school he moved to Washington, DC to begin a career in Sales. His career was quickly interrupted when World War II began. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and served as a Communications Specialist while stationed both ashore and overseas. Following the war he returned to NC and secured a job with Southern Railway as a sales and freight agent in Chester, SC. He quickly rose to positions of authority as he was transferred to Hickory, NC and then to Washington, DC. In 1955 Tom was promoted to Traffic Manager and transferred to Asheville, NC. After almost 15 years with the railroad, he was hired by American Enka Corporation in Asheville, NC to assume the position of Director of Materials and Traffic Management reporting directly to the President. He held that position until his retirement in 1981. While at Enka/BASF he attended and graduated from Harvard Business School. In 1982 he returned to work at North American Rayon in Elizabethton, TN as Production and Distribution Manager. After ten plus years he retired a second time. Returning to his beloved NC mountains in early 90's, he moved to Linville spending time on the golf course, gardening, and landscaping. In 2004 the Graggs moved to River hills on Lake Wylie, SC to further enjoy retirement with their friends and family close by. Tom will be remembered for his quick wit, love of life, gardening and "can do" spirit. He was most successful in every endeavor he undertook. Survived by his wife, Sondra, three children and three step children, nine grandchildren, three step grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Cabell Gragg and sister Martha Norris, both of Boone, NC. A memorial service will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church, Rock Hill, SC on Wednesday, August 27 at 4:00. Family graveside will be held in Blowing Rock, NC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29732 or Epiphany Lutheran Church, PO Box 4763, Rock Hill, SC 29732.