GRAGG, William Harold "Billy" - b. April 21, 1935 - d. December 22, 1936

[Marcia Moore]

(The Severyite - Dec. 24, 1936)

Billy Gragg Chokes to Death

    Billy, the two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Gragg who live southeast of Severy, died Tuesday morning from asphyxiation as a result of a piece of meat lodging in his trachea.
    The funeral services will be conducted this afternoon (Thursday) at the Severy Methodist Church at 1:30 o'clock, and interment will be in Grace Lawn Cemetery near Howard.
    Billy leaves to mourn his passing his parents and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Colyer of Piedmont and Mrs. Clara Gragg of Howard, besides a number of other relatives and many friends.    

[Janet Harrington]

Marcia,

Would this have been Margaret Gragg's son?

[Marcia Moore]

Yes, this was Margaret Gragg's son.  The obituary I have of him was in the Dec. 31, 1936 Severyite.  It reads:
    William Harold Gragg, son of William H. and Margaret Elizabeth Gragg, was born April 21, 1935 and passed away Dec. 22, 1936 at the age of 1 year 8 months and 1 day.  His untimely death was a shock to his parents, relatives and friends.  In the short time that we had him, he grew into our lives as a vine entwines itself through the branches of a tree to gain its protection and strength.  Our baby had no past.  We were just building a future for him as all parents do.  Each day that we had him with us he grew dearer to us.
    He would arise early each morning, and each day was a new event in his life.  He was so eager and willing, always anxious to do some little thing for everyone.  His affection for his parents was unlimited, and he always had a cheerful smile for all who came in contact with him.
    Besides his parents, he leaves to mourn his untimely departure, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Colyer of Piedmont, and Mrs. Clara Gragg of Howard, a great-great grandmother, Mrs. E.J. Fooshee, of Howard, a number of aunts, uncles and other relatives, and a host of friends.