Sterling Grigg Obituary

Sterling "Tucker" Grigg Jr., aged 89, passed away peacefully, August 19, 2025, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

Tucker was born in Richmond, Va. to Alice McFadden Grigg and Sterling Tucker Grigg. Welcoming her baby brother at their Ginter Park home was 9-year-old sister, Shirley. Shirley would be his biggest supporter, and they remained close throughout their lives.

It seemed as if Tucker came into the world running. And, as an energetic 8-year-old, his parents sent him for the summer (eight weeks!) to Camp Virginia in Goshen, Va., which was to be an annual boyhood passion and twice earned him the Camp Virginia "Spirit Trophy." He went on to work, as well, as a camp counselor and credited Camp Virginia with shaping him morally, athletically, and spiritually.

Tucker attended St. Christopher's School in Richmond and played multiple sports, with a special skill for track. He ran the 100- and 220-yard dashes, and his 100-yard time of 9.8 seconds stood for generations as the school record. Amazing, also: not once did he lose a race. He competed in AAU events as far away as New York City and earned prominent college offers, but a hamstring injury his senior year quashed all but one scholarship -- from Georgia Tech.

He boarded a train to Georgia Tech (his first Atlanta trip) where fraternities were welcoming new students. Tucker was moved by the warmth, so unexpected, and pledged Phi Delta fraternity. With the damaged hamstring making short sprints difficult, Tucker was asked by his coach to consider 440- and 880-yard races, but after a few weeks decided he would rather enjoy college life away from track. He continued his studies in Industrial Management, minus scholarship.

While at Georgia Tech, he met Irene "Teenie" Shaw, a student at Agnes Scott College. They dated throughout college and married on Tucker's graduation day in 1959 and were married for 38 years before her death in 1997.

They lived in Richmond, Va., and raised two children: Tucker III, and Eleanor, who survive their father.

Tucker, professionally, began his career as a railroad wheel-bearings salesman, traveling widely. But at heart he was an entrepreneur, and in the 1970s, he formed a company – Leisure Time Distributors – that sold boats, mopeds and campers. Later, during the oil-market tumult when dealers were going bankrupt, Tucker cleverly rescued inventory, which led to banks seeking him to help recover the banks' assets.

Among entities he later acquired under his company, Nationwide Retailers, were Cricket Products; Miller Manufacturing; James River Iron; North Screen Studios; Multiplex Display Fixture Co.; Commercial Receivers; Glenna Jean; as well as Luther's Barbecue. Tucker merged two of the companies listed to form Miller Multiplex, which in 2025 remained under his stewardship.

Tucker loved golf, and all that it brought to his life, including the opportunity for travel and for deepening a galaxy of friendships.

He enjoyed memberships at the Country Club of Virginia; Kinloch Golf Club; Peachtree Golf Club; The Farm; Highlands Country Club; Sea Island Golf Club; and Ocean Forest Golf Club. He was also a member of the United States Senior Golf Association; and the Commonwealth Club in Richmond, as well as Richmond golf groups, The Shankers and Knockers.

It was also through golf that he met Cheryl Wrede Popa, whom he married in November,1998. He became stepfather to 15-year-old Michael, and 12-year-old Kacee, and met the challenge with love, patience – and a steady sense of humor.

Through the past 27 years, Tucker and Cheryl continued their golfing passion and traveled broadly, with Tucker encouraging Cheryl to continue her dream of playing competitive amateur golf.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Irene, he was predeceased by his sister, Shirley G. Ellison (Pat); sister-in-law Eleanor S. McCamy (Julian); brother-in-law J.C. "Bud" Shaw (Margaretta); as well as sister-in-law Anna Sue Shaw.

In addition to his wife, Cheryl, survivors include daughter Eleanor G. Baird (Lewis); son S.T. Grigg III; stepson J. Michael Popa (Melinda); stepdaughter Kacee P. Reagan (Tom); brother-in-law Robert E. "Bob" Shaw (Dottie); brother-in-law Richard Wrede (Cheryl); mother-in-law Nannette Wrede; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

"Poppi" left behind grandsons Daniel Baird, Shaw Baird, Thomas Reagan IV, and, born six days before his death, Brooks Wrede Popa.

In addition, "Mr. Grigg" leaves behind his business assistant of 50 years, Theresa Trexler, and housekeeper Loretta Altman.

The family wishes to thank friend and pastor Harold Hand for his many visits and prayers, as well as caregivers Loretta Altman; Si Altman; Amy Mann; Cynthia Burton; Ethel Sullivan; Melvin Sullivan; hospice nurse, Jamie; and the Hospice of the Golden Isles.

There will be a private interment at Christ Church Frederica. A reception celebrating Tucker's life will be held from noon until 2 p.m., Wednesday, September 3, at Ocean Forest Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of one's choice, or:

Virginia Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 7202 Glen Forest Dr., Suite 102, Richmond, Va., 23226, ATTN: Beth Saladino/Team Ella K.

Or: Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, 31525.