Grayson Hall Via

Southern Shores – Grayson Hall Via died unexpectedly in Charlottseville, Monday, August 3, 2009.  He was 71.  Grayson was born March 13, 1938 and was raised in Waynesboro, VA.  He was the son of the late Grayson E. Via and Ann Hall Via.

After completing high school in Waynesboro he completed college at Randolph Macon College in Ashland, VA and went on to receive a master’s degree at Virginia Tech and a PhD in chemistry at Duke University, which led him to a long and successful career with Exxon Research & Engineering Company.  After a first visit to the Outer Banks in 1962, Southern Shores became a retirement goal that was realized 10 years ago when Grayson and his wife, Gail moved here from Westfield, NJ where they had raised their family.  Photography was among his many interests, which he pursued with much pleasure in his retirement, as well as much success.  He was published in the Corolla Wild Horse Fund calendar as well as several other places. He was a member of the Carolina Nature Photography Association.

Surviving Grayson is his wife of 46 years, Gail P. Via of Southern Shores, one son, Mark C. Via of Weston, VT and his wife Mary and their two sons Carter and Hudson; one daughter Kara V. Shovlin of Westfield, NJ and her husband Ron and their two sons Grayson and Colby; as well as a host of extended family members and dear friends who will miss him.

A celebration of Grayson’s life will be held on Friday at 3pm at the Gallop Funeral Services Chapel in Nags Head (MP 16).  Condolences may be sent to the family via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Grayson’s honor, to the American Lung Association at www.lungusa.org.