Mr. Grier Eugene Epperson, 83, of Ararat, VA, a devoted and loving husband, daddy, and pa, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 31, 2025, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson.
Mr. Epperson was born May 5, 1942, in Patrick County, VA, one of five children born to the late Albert “Ab” and Era Jessup Epperson. Eugene grew up in Ararat, VA, and graduated from Blue Ridge High School in 1960. On November 24, 1960, he married Rebecca Ann Fain, and together they were a vital part of the Ararat community for 64 years. Eugene was a man of many trades and talents, including delivering milk, truck driver, timber cutter, woodworker, and excellent gardener. There was nothing he could not fix or make. He enjoyed creating beautiful wood masterpieces for his family. He also loved his garden and sharing it with friends and neighbors. A true outdoorsman, he loved spending time in nature and appreciated the simple pleasures of rural life. Mr. Epperson was also a man of faith and a member of Unity Church. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Rebecca Ann Fain Epperson of the home; two daughters, Sheila Draughn (Tim) and Regina Easter (Terry); a bonus daughter, Alana “Laney” Eidson; his grandchildren, whom he was so proud of, Preston Draughn (Taylor), Sierra Easter, and Sydney Easter; his bonus grandchildren, Loren Walker and Garrett Smith; a brother, Golden Epperson (Alease); and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Epperson was preceded in death by three sisters, Laverne Epperson (infant), Ocie Boyd, and Jocie Bowman.
The funeral service will be held Friday, September 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Buford E. Jessup and the Rev. Cory Shelton officiating. Burial will follow in the Unity Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love, care, and compassion shown by Dr. David Defeo, the staff at Salem Chest Specialists, and all the doctors and nurses who have cared for him throughout the years. Also, a special “thank you” is extended to the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care for the care he received and the exceptional staff at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Unity Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Patricia Anderson, 358 Mears Road, Claudville, VA 24076; or the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
