Grant Plaugher

Robert “Grant” Plaugher, 75 years of age, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Grant was born February 21,1950 in Rockingham County and grew up in Briery Branch. He resided in Ottobine on their family farm. Anyone who knew him knows he was hardworking, strong-willed, and determined--even to his last days. His calloused hands were evidence of his work ethic to build and farm.

Right out of high school, he became a brick and stone mason. He would eventually become self-employed running Grant Plaugher Masonry, Inc. until his retirement in 2019. Grant had the skill and eye for chiseling rock and piecing them together into lasting works of art. His craftsmanship can be seen all over the Shenandoah Valley and into West Virginia with projects such as bricking homes, retaining walls, foundations, chimneys, fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces, and pavers. His works are a testament to attention to detail, pride, and work ethic.

While he ran his company, he also farmed raising black angus cow-calf pairs. He made hay for the livestock not only on the family farm, but also on other land. In his younger years, he would even go to West Virginia to make hay, bringing it across the Shenandoah Mountain. He was also a subcontractor for VDOT plowing snow.

He was a passionate bear hunter and loved rigging and running his bear dogs. He loved to hear his dogs run. For him, it was about the chase. He was well known for knowing the mountains of how a bear would track, was well respected by hunters, and had countless stories of how he would take kids and adolescents along with him, sharing his love for bear hunting. A pride and joy for him was his grandma, an avid bear hunter. She was featured in an outdoor magazine back in the 1940s sharing about her love for hunting. He has that original magazine.

He is survived by his wife, LaDonna (Doll) F. Plaugher of 55 years; his two daughters, LaDawn Knicely and Laura Plaugher; his grandchildren, Kendall (Knicely) Simmons (husband Tanner) and Donnie Sheffer (girlfriend Zara); his younger brother, Mike Plaugher (wife Tami). He was proceeded in death by his mother, Doris Jean Huffer; his father, Robert Taylor Plaugher; his brother, Douglas “Boney” Plaugher.

At his request, there will be no service or viewing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that cards and/or memorial contributions can be made to Grant’s home church, Hometown Rescue Mission & Ministry at 7 Killdeer Lane, Dayton, VA 22821. The family respectfully requests no visits for privacy during this time.

His family would like to thank Hahn Cancer Center, Sentara Palliative Care, and the Clover Hill Rescue Squad. He will be missed deeply by his family, and it leaves an empty place in their hearts; but they also have the hope of knowing that he is now cancer free, healed and with Jesus on to bigger and better things using his gifts and talents of building in heaven.

We look forward to one day hearing about his new hunting adventures on the other side of the mountain.