Gary B. Gragg, 87, passed away peacefully at TerraBella in Shelby on Monday, August 4, 2025, with family by his side.

Gary, a lifelong resident of Cleveland County, was a quiet man with many interests. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Gladys Gragg, a brother, Larry Gragg and a sister, Brenda Gragg Fitch.

He is survived by the love of his life, Jane Cabaniss Gragg, who was his partner in marriage for 64 years. Also surviving are his sons, Gary Bryon Gragg, Jr. wife Allison and grandsons Easton and Miles; also, Jason 'Jay' Daniel Gragg, his wife Amanda and their sons Dixon and Dillon Scism. A sister-in-law, Ellen Gragg, a brother-in-law, David Fitch, and numerous nephews and nieces also survive him.

Gary served in the United States Air Force and upon returning to Shelby, received training at Gardner-Webb College and then Howard Business School. It was during this time while on a double date that he met Jane. After they married in 1961, Gary finished his education and in 1965, started his business, Gary B. Gragg, Inc., an accounting and tax preparation firm. Known today as Gragg Financial, it is owned by his two sons. Gary was proud that he was one of the first tax/accounting businesses in the area to begin to computerize.

While a quiet man, Gary had a number of interests. A long time of member of Zion Baptist Church, he served as a deacon, treasurer, and various other positions. He was also the founding and longtime Scoutmaster of Troop 118, sponsored by the church. Gary's work with Scouting earned him the Silver Beaver Award, a volunteer service award 'given to those who do not seek it,' and recognizing exceptional character and distinguished service. He also received the church's "Good Shepherd Award' for his significant work with Scouting.

Beyond his strong Christian faith, his family, scouting and his business clients, Gary's other passion was the outdoors. He fished from an early age, then enjoyed big-game hunting trips out west. He especially loved Yellowstone National Park and requested his ashes be scattered there. He eventually traded his gun for a camera. Fishing, trout fishing to be specific, remained a passion. Catch and release was his method and tying his own 'flies' was a skill he enjoyed and shared with others. Even in his last days, fishing was on his mind.

He was a man with many hobbies including crafting muskets and pistols from blocks of wood. An avid reader, you could always find stacks of books beside his chair or next to his bed. His last hours were spent listening to one of his favorite songs, Marty Robbins' Cool Water. "The shadows sway and seem to say tonight we pray for water, cool water and way up there He'll hear our prayer and show us where there's water, cool, clear water."

Day is done. Gone the sun. From the lakes. From the hills. From the sky. All is well. Safely rest. God is nigh.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caring staff of Terra Bella who cared for Gary for the last several years of his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Zion Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 525 West Zion Church Road. Shelby, NC 28150, Trout Unlimited PO Box 98166, Washington, DC 20090, Yellowstone Forever, PO Box 1857, Bozeman MT, 59771-1857 or a charity of the donor's choice are suggested by the family.

Funeral services for Gary will include a brief service at Zion Baptist Church, at 10:00 am on Saturday August 9th, followed by the family visitation in the family life center.

The family is assisted by Cecil Burton Funeral Home of Shelby.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.