Sgt. First Class Darwin “Eddie” Gragg, USAR Ret.

Sgt. First Class Darwin “Eddie” Gragg, USAR Ret., 78, of Morganton, NC went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, January 30, 2017. He was born June 16, 1938 in Avery County, NC and was the son of the late Earl S. Gragg and Ganel Vance Gragg. He was an active and devoted church member.  Mr. Gragg spent four years in the U.S. Navy and then became a member of the NC National Guard. He retired as a Drill Sergeant with the U.S. Army Reserve with approximately 30 years of service. Eddie was a true patriot who loved the military and his country.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Sue Epley Gragg; brothers, Larry Gragg and Dariel Gragg; and a sister, Maloy Gragg Gates.

A devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, Eddie is survived by a daughter, DeAnna Gragg Abee and husband, Kevin; grandchildren, Lauren Abee and Kaitlyn Abee; sisters, Betty Higgins and Connie Lewis; and extended family.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Smart’s Grove Baptist Church. The service will follow at 3 p.m. at the church with Pastor Charles Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. Military honors will be provided by the NC National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.