Grayson Plumley

Grayson Plumley, 93 years old, of Beckley, WV, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on June 13, 2025, after a long and very loved life.

Grayson was born in Pear, WV in Raleigh County. He was a prolific gardener, having planted, tended to and harvested bushels upon bushels of vegetables for family dinners and cookouts, canning for year-round enjoyment, and sharing with friends and neighbors (his favorite part).  Why grow 10 cabbages, when 30 will do?

Many people knew him as Mr. PicWay. He managed the PicWay Shoe Store on Valley Drive (now Robert C Byrd Drive) for 25 years. He loved seeing the smiles on children as they ran down the aisles in their new school shoes, fitted cleats for aspiring baseball players, and heard the squeals of delight from tiny dancers as they made their first tippity taps on the tile floor with their new tap shoes.

He was the first-born son of Oakley and Carrie Plumley. It was a miracle, as he was born premature during a home birth in a rural setting in 1931, a time when most babies born premature did not survive. Oakley and Carrie gave him a younger brother, Ralph, and sister, Vernus, before Oakley was killed by a train when Grayson was 10 years old. The family experienced many hardships following the death of Oakley, but not only survived, but thrived due to the love and dedication of their extended family.

He was Valedictorian of Richmond High School and was the first in his family to attend college. He loved reading and learning throughout his life, and devoured books about history. He was the family grammarian and who the kids went to for their English homework.

Grayson met the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Whitt, while working in Williamson, WV.  They fell in love and were married in 1961. They moved to Beckley to start their life and family. They bought their home on Smith St. (now Chase Ave) and grew deep roots in that small community.

He had a fun and intrepid side to him. He was always ready to go on an adventure with anyone, whether it was 4-wheeling with his son-in-law, going hiking with his daughter, or a music festival with his son. The "scenic" route was often chosen over the highway. He loved the feel of going just a little too fast through a tight mountain curve, ignoring the complaints of his very practical wife.

The title of "Poppy" came from his enchanting granddaughters, Keagan and Britney, whom he loved wholeheartedly. They sat on his knee as he read the same stories as he did with his own children decades before, as well as newer ones that were happily presented to him by the girls.

Grayson enjoyed spending time with his daughter-in-law Lee Ann. She enjoyed learning his special recipes and in later years cooking for him, which made him smile.

He was a member and attended Mabscott Independent Fundamental Church and Open Bible Baptist Church throughout much of his life.

He loved all animals, and they loved him. His and neighbor dogs followed him to the garden and laid in the shade and waited for his water breaks when they would get their pats and were reminded of what good dogs they were. Cats followed him to the kitchen for treats and always had a place on his armchair for pats and cuddles.

Grayson retired and spent much of his golden years in his beloved garden. When there were no more seeds to plant, no weeds to pull, and no vegetables to harvest, he would scour the seed magazines and design the perfect garden map for the next year.

Unfortunately, he endured several health issues later in life that hindered his ability to do all the things that he enjoyed. However, even in his last few months, when his voice was weak, his body was frail, and he weighed little more than a whisper, he would readily agree to going out to eat. His love of gardening was only surpassed by his love of eating!

Grayson probably didn't realize at first that he married a saint. Phyllis took meticulous care of him throughout his life, but especially as his health declined. She would always leave a snack by his bed and kiss him goodnight and tell him that she loved him. As he was able, he held her hand and told her that he loved her.

Grayson was preceded in death by his parents, Oakley and Carrie (Todd) Plumley, his brother and friend, Ralph Plumley, and his beloved sister, Vernus (Plumley) Albert.

He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis (Whitt) Plumley and children; his son Michael Plumley, daughter in law, Lee Ann Plumley, of Tega Cay, SC, and his granddaughter, Britney Plumley; and his daughter, Selina (Plumley) Vickers and son-in-law, Tim Vickers, of Edmond, WV and his granddaughter, Keagan Vickers; and his niece, Brenda Albert, of Daniels.

Family and friends are invited to remember and celebrate Grayson's life at Rose & Quesenberry Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Family visitation will begin at noon, and friends are welcome to visit at 1:00. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, WV.

Private online condolence and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Homes 1901 S. Kanawha Street Beckley, WV 25801.