ROGER BLAKE LARGE

Roger Blake Large, 84, died Friday, December 22, 2023, at Ballad Hospital in Bristol, Tn., following a gradual decline in health of two years since the death of his beloved wife.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Emma Grae Large; son, Jeffery Large, and brother, Darrell Large.

He is survived by his son, Michael E. Large (J. Lynn); grandsons, Emory Large and Mason Large, and granddaughter, Finley Large. He is also survived by his big brother, George Ray Large, and sister, Saundra Waters.

Roger was born and raised on Caney Ridge, in Dickenson County, and is the son of Hiram and Garnett (Mullins) Large.

Directly after graduating high school in Clintwood, Roger followed the career paths of his older brothers and joined the United States Army in the late 1950s. After completing his commission, he returned home to begin work learning the trade of coal mining. He began this career in its basics, traveling great depths underground to “pull coal”. After years of this labor, he ventured into coal mining ownership and eventually owned and operated a significant size coal mining enterprise known as Kentucky Prince Coal Company. Roger retired in the early 90s from his career in coal.

He and his wife Emma Grae were always active in church. In the 1960s they performed every Sunday in the Clintwood Bible Church, Emma playing piano while Roger would sing hymns such as their favorite, “How Great Thou Art”. Roger devoted his life to the Lord and was active for decades supporting and worshiping in the Clintwood Methodist Church as one of it’s longest living members.

Roger took great pride in a good day’s work, and in all his years, rarely would stop even while being very sick. In his retirement years, his need to be productive continued and he did so with home projects and especially horticulture where he loved making his estate “High Reaches” a park like showpiece. He also loved birds and would continually keep feeding different species so that he could admire their habits and beauty. On the day of his son Jeffery’s death, he was visited by a bird that had never appeared before, a white dove. This touched him deeply and he believed was sent by God to comfort him.

Roger always had a passion for music, playing many types of instruments during his life. He was a trumpet player in Clintwood High School and when not on school campus, played drums in a jazz group. Later, he taught himself guitar and loved playing country music. After injuring his hand while woodworking, he taught himself how to play the autoharp, an old mountain music instrument. Roger also honored our local veterans by playing “Taps” at many grave-sites over the years. Roger’s passion for music influenced both of his sons into becoming musicians themselves.

Roger had a kind smile and handshake for all people that knew him. He was loved by his community. He will be missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends January 6, 2024 from noon until 1 p.m. in the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with clergymen Tom Renfro officiating. There will be no procession and Family and friends are asked to meet at Temple Hill Cemetery in Castlewood at 3 p.m. Military Rites will be conducted by the local Military Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be the members of the local Military Honor Guard. Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael Large, Mason Large, Grahmn Martin, Dr. Tom Renfro and Emory Large.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Roger Blake Large please visit our Sympathy Store. Online condolences may be made at www.mullinsfuneralhome.net.

Mullins Funeral Home and Staff are serving the Large family.