Remembering Barney Gruggle
Barney Gruggle passed peacefully on August 6, 2025, at 2:01 PM. I had the honor of visiting him earlier that day—he was comfortable and in no pain.
Barney will be fondly remembered by many at the Pickens County Sportsman’s Club for his years of dedicated service, leadership, and unwavering support of its members. He was also a valued and loyal companion to all of us in the Talking Rock Black Powder Shooters. His presence will be deeply missed.
A proud Army veteran, Barney was wounded twice during his service in Vietnam. After his military career, he became a successful real estate agent and eventually owned his own firm. He applied those skills generously to benefit our club—leading major projects such as the development of the 100- and 300-yard ranges, complete with covered shooting areas.
Barney also played a pivotal role in securing the property known as the Head property, which doubled the club’s size and created a safety and noise buffer with our neighbors. He established and managed the club’s first website and served faithfully in several board positions over the years.
Barney was a constant presence during the week with the “old farts” shotgun group—shooting twice a week, sharing stories, and solving the world’s problems over laughter and camaraderie. He especially loved working with youth groups as a shotgun instructor and safety officer, bringing both skill and warmth to the role.
Barney had a deep passion for firearms and everything surrounding them. When the Talking Rock Black Powder Shooters program was launched, he embraced it wholeheartedly—drawn in by the firearms, the history, and the fellowship. He even built his own Kibler Woodsrunner rifle and never missed a shoot in his role as our Chief Range Safety Officer.
Throughout the group’s early challenges with organization, safety protocols, and logistical needs, Barney was a steadying force. His experience and presence lent the TRBPS immediate credibility, stability, and the respect of our parent club’s membership and board.