Clarence Joseph (Joe) Brock, 84, of the Valley Center community of Mill Gap, went to be with his Lord and Heavenly Father and his son, Joey, Thursday, March 3, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.
He was born in Mill Gap, July 8, 1937, a son of the late Adam Hevener Brock and Alta Geneva (Crummett) Brock.
A veteran of the United States Army, Joe served with the Army Corps of Engineers, where he was deployed to Libya and Tunisia surveying parts of the Sahara and Stoney deserts. He returned home in August 1963 and married his sweetheart, Phyllis Harper, that following month on September 14.
Soon thereafter, Joe once again resumed his employment with Virginia Department of Transportation, where he worked for 34 ½ years surveying mostly in the South Hill area. During those years, he also farmed part-time.
Taking early retirement in 1991, Joe was ready to return to his Highland County roots, running cattle and producing maple syrup on Pleasant Brook Farm. In the summer, he could be found in the garden checking the produce that would be canned and put away for winter.
He enjoyed sharing his wealth of history and knowledge to anyone who would have a seat on their front porch. In the fall, he and his grandsons could be found hunting for that elusive Mill Gap buck and putting on the annual "Squirrel Stew" dinner for the ones who come to hunt the land.
He was a life time member of Beulah Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder for many years. A member of Masonic Lodge #110, Joe was a 32nd degree Mason. He also held membership with Acca Shriners and was longtime board member with the Monterey Cemetery. Joe was also a member of the Mill Gap Ruritans, where he held various offices including president, where he was responsible for the induction of women members in 1995. He was also a previous member of the American Legion.
In addition to his wife of 58 years, Phyllis H. Brock, Joe is survived by a daughter, Sheryl Yvonne Brock of Fishersville; grandsons, Joshua Adam Brock and wife, Chelsea of Ferrum and Christian Joseph Brock and wife, Burgundy of Mill Gap; granddaughter, whom he called his "sunshine," Jolynne Yvonne Brock of Fishersville; his two great-granddaughters, Atlee Shay Brock and Harper Ruth Brock, who were the light of his world; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Clarence Joseph "Joey" Brock II; sister, Rita Brock Dunlap; and brother, John "J.D." Douglas Brock.
A funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Beulah Presbyterian Church with Rev. William C. "Bill" Cox and Rev. Richard "Rick" Hill officiating.
Interment will follow in Monterey Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be John Koger, Davey and Jamie Brock, Aaron Harper, Steve Rogers, Mike Smith and Richard Dunlap.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Sherman and David Nobles.
The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Monday, March 7 at Obaugh Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Beulah Presbyterian Church, c/o Richard Simmons, 8171 Mill Gap Road, Monterey, Va. 24465 or Monterey Cemetery, c/o Nancy Sweitzer, 288 Triple Oak Lane, Hot Springs, Va. 24445.
