Roger M. Griep

Roger Marvin Griep, a lifelong resident of Tanyard in southern Caroline County, died suddenly at home on Sunday, January 15, 2017. He was 67. Born March 28, 1949, he was the son of the late Henry and Henrietta Griep. He was a 1967 graduate of Colonel Richardson High School, where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America. Roger married the love of his life, the former Connie Chance, on June 23, 1967. They were to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Roger was a self-employed farmer and an “independent” truck driver. He grew produce and grain on the family farm for many years, selling his produce to farm stand operators in Talbot County, the western shore and Pennsylvania. His wife and her sister, Cindy Ball, also sold produce from the farm at a stand at the corner of Dover Bridge and Tanyard roads.The produce stand later became the Garden Basket florist shop, which Connie and Cindy operated for numerous years and is still operated by family. Roger hauled a variety of products in his trucking career, from sawdust with his father-in-law, John Chance, to farm crops for numerous local farmers, to frozen food. Operating as Tanyard Trucking Inc., he worked with his father-in-law and brother-in-law, and helped bring the trucking bug to his nephews, Matt and Trevor Ball. Roger loved the outdoors. It was his church and his sanctuary. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, swimming, and walks in the woods and on the beach. The son of a carpenter, he was a craftsman. He worked with wood — building an entertainment center and other furniture for the home and crafting beautiful walking sticks from branches — and created with metal, making equipment that was useful on the farm with his welding and other skills. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends, including trips to Disney, Myrtle Beach, Hawaii, and Alaska. He was a fan of country music, NASCAR and truck racing, and entered his own big rig in drag races in Delmar and on the western shore years ago. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie; their two sons, Brian Griep, and John “Chris” Griep, and his girlfriend, Sarah Ensor; his mother-in-law, Marie Chance; grandchildren, Heather Mansfield, and her husband, Mick, Justin, Brandi, Joshua, Jodie and Colton Griep; great-grandchilden, Ashton Griep, Maddox Booze, and McKenna Lee; a brother, Alan Griep, and his wife, Bessie; a sister, Judy Burdette, and her husband, Mack; a sister-in-law, Cindy Ball,and her husband, Charles “Buddy” Ball; two nephews, Matthew Ball, and his wife, Kelly, and Trevor Ball; an aunt, Mert Coleman; an honorary daughter, Denise Parks, and her husband, Brice; his best friend, David Fike; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends; and his constant canine companion, Dutchess. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, John Chance, as well as numerous aunts and uncles. Pallbearers will be Buddy Ball, Matt Ball, Trevor Ball, Justin Griep, Josh Griep and Brice Parks. Honorary pallbearers are Heather Mansfield, Brandi Griep, Jodie Griep, David Fike, Mike Bradley, Sam Fairbank, Eddie Quidas and Jeff Mueller. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 20, at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 200 S. Washington St., Easton, MD. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Bethlehem Wesleyan Church, 5330 Bethlehem Road, Preston, MD. Burial will follow at Junior Order Cemetery in Preston. Family members will be dressed casually and welcome you to join them. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Preston Lions Club, P.O. Box 182, Preston, MD 21655 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Gifts, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Roger M. Griep

March 28, 1949 - January 15, 2017