Roadking77, house fire

[5th T/A]

I am sharing some very bad news regarding Roadking77 (Kerry Grubb). Upon returning home yesterday, Kerry arrived to the nightmare of finding his home on fire. Fortunately, no family members were injured including his beloved dogs.  Kerry said they only have the clothes on their backs and his wife was picking up some.

Kerry and I have communicated only via text so I don't have a lot of details. As seen in the pictures, his house looks like a total loss. They were able to get his 77 T/A, his son's GTO and wife's Mustang out of the attached garage. I believe the other attached buildings and shops that contain his business tools are intact including his 1979 TATA, (My Tenth Anniv). Door panels and mirror T-tops for TATA were stored above the house garage.

In the short five years I have been a TAC member Kerry his been a very passionate and prolific poster. Always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others. A fourth-generation carpenter and builder, self-taught on automotive restoration, never afraid to take on a new challenge. For the time being Kerry really has his hands full. Please keep Kerry and his family in your thoughts.

Resized_20250430_162540_1746064012423 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

Resized_20250430_163518_1746064003126 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

Resized_20250430_164012_1746063983385 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

Resized_20250430_164140_1746063975957 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

Resized_20250430_172320_1746063833677 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

Resized_20250430_173159_1746064032400 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

Resized_20250430_173221_1746064040984 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

[N PRGRES]

Thats horrible, He will be in my thoughts and prayers.  You often wonder why bad things happen to good pople.

[wheels78ta]

Sorry to hear the bad news.  Great that he and his family are OK.

Prayers out to the whole family and a quick recovery.

[FormTA]

There are no words. Star strong.

[72projectbird]

darn, that's awful. If there's anyway we can help our man out, let us know!

[scarebird]

We need to set up a gofundme or something of that nature.

[5th T/A]

I talked to Kerry briefly this afternoon, he really appreciates the well wishes from TAC. Considering the events of the last day Kerry remains very upbeat and positive. Today they have had lots of ups and downs as they go through the house. While he wouldn't wish this on anybody, is so grateful his family and dogs were not injured. His computer was destroyed in the fire, so until he gets a new computer, he is only able read but not contribute to TAC from his phone.

The insurance company has declared the house a total loss and nothing is salvageable. They are currently living out of a hotel room and trying to find a house to rent. The road ahead will not be easy but they will get through this. I am sure any words of encouragement would be well received!

[79GoldnTan]

So sorry to see this, thoughts and prayers to him and family. Keep us up to date on what ever we can do to help.

[kentucky yeti]

I’ve never met Kerry, but have known him from TAC since he joined, probably 10-15 years ago.  We’ve dealt with each other many, many times.  He and his family will be in our prayers.  Good people.

[Wallington]

Terrible. Only happens to the good guys.

[76455sd]

Wow. That’s really awful. As others have said, please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help. Glad the family and dogs are all okay.

[FormTA]

I’ve never met Kerry, but have known him from TAC since he joined, probably 10-15 years ago.  We’ve dealt with each other many, many times.  He and his family will be in our prayers.  Good people.

Same here. He's a friend of mine, though I've never met him. We spoke via text yesterday as well and it was the exact same message as Larry shared. (5th TA)

A fire is my worst nightmare. And if you didn't know he has gone through this before but with his shop. He's a strong individual. He'll rebuild and get through this. His family is safe, it's just things, and values what's really important. 

My heart goes out to him. Just stay strong my friend.

[stros]

So sorry to hear this terrible news.  Glad that Kerry and his family are ok.  If there’s anything we can do to help please let us know.

[rkellerjr]

Yikes! Glad to hear everyone is OK! Anything we can do let us know.

[5th T/A]

Kerry & I texted back and forth yesterday evening. He really appreciates the kind words from the TAC community. When I asked him is there anything he needs he said," they are homeless but doing OK". The good news is they were able to find a rental house close to his home and shop. Obviously they have been very busy. Kerry like a lot of active TAC members thrives on managing projects and keeping busy. He is not able to post on TAC so I will share a few pictures and comments from him.

IMG_5881 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr



IMG_5882 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr



This picture has Kerry's 2001 Road King, AKA RoadKing77
IMG_5883 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr



One of his friends is storing the 77 T/A.

IMG_5884 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr


The good news is his TATA was not injured. The bad news is the restoration will be on pause for a while.

IMG_5885 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

[70_71_78]

So sorry for your loss, I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. So glad to hear that family and pets are all OK!

[tajoe]

OMG!!!
I just popped in to check on everyones progress, only to find this. The photos were horrific, but like all has mentioned, lives were saved, and that's huge. And quick thinking for the autos also. Good thinking, Kerry. And it looked like your house was so classical, with it's Victorian styling. I sincerely hope for a speedy recovery, but we all know about ins. cos, and their methods. Lots of patience, and good luck to all of you.

[ryeguy2006a]

Terrible news... I've been messaging with Kerry throughout the process as well. He does seem to be in good spirits despite the huge loss. Thoughts are with you Kerry.

[apfstg]

Sorry for your loss - I too lost my house with everything in it gone a number of years ago - I still think of things I had stashed away then. The important parts in your life are still here (and I don’t mean the car)

[wheels78ta]

I know that Kerry and the family will get through this.  It will take time and we are here for them.

On a side note.....I've told everyone in our cul-de-sac that if our house ever catches fire.......RUN.....RUN very fast and far away.  There is a lot of ammo stored here.  Of course, most was lost in the boating accident.