Basil Graves "B.G." Jennings, Jr.

Mr. Basil Graves Jennings, Jr. (BG), age 79 of Henrico NC passed away Monday, October 30, 2023, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family and friends. BG was born in Wise, Virginia on August 26, 1944, to the late Basil Graves Jennings Sr. (Diane) and Kathleen Elam Jennings. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ruth Gilbert Jennings.

BG was a 1962 graduate of J.J. Kelly High School in Wise. During those years, he was active in several choral groups both at the school and at church. While at Kelly, he was a standout football player earning many awards during his football career as well as excelling at track. He was recruited by several colleges and made his decision to attend Virginia Tech while earning a full football scholarship. He was a devout Virginia Tech Hokie, finding great joy in being a member of their collegiate football team.

While a student at Virginia Tech, (then known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute), BG was a member of the Corp of Cadets. He took great pride in the Corp and carried so much of the military life and habits with him throughout his life. He was proud of his service in the United States Army after being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation of Techs ROTC program.

BG spent most of his working years in the construction equipment industry retiring as the Equipment Manager for Barnhill Contracting Company in Rocky Mount, NC. This was a position where he thought he was able to do the most for the people around him. In his free time, he enjoyed tinkering in his shop rebuilding equipment and old vehicles. He especially loved camping and traveling around exploring the Midwest.

He found a social paradise during his retirement in Lake Gaston through his special friendships that turned into family. He so enjoyed creating a community where all took care of each other. His favorites were the neighborhood construction projects and hosting the neighbor block parties. The Jennings family is so grateful for all they did in his final months in assisting with his care.

He is survived by his son, Michael Andrew Jennings, and his wife Emily of Wilmington, NC; his greatest joy in his grandson William; two sisters Susan Jennings Smith of Wise, VA and Jennifer Jennings Kelly (Patrick) of Charlottesville, VA, his stepmother Diane Jennings, and his loveable goldendoodle Phoenix.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm Friday November 3rd at Wayside Cemetery located directly beside Wayside Community Church (3520 Wayside Rd, Stuart, VA 24171) with flag presentation by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard.  Moody Funeral Home in Stuart is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Separate celebrations of his life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday November 4th, 2023, at the home of Michael, Emily, and William and at his home at Lake Gaston at a future date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be considered to Lakeside Dog Boarding soon to be operating in Littleton NC. (240 Elams Rd. Littleton, NC 27850) or by phone at (252)-676-2141.