If you ever had the pleasure of meeting or sharing time with Joe Trapp you have been blessed with a real taste of Blythewood and its roots. Born in Blythewood, Joe was a farmer and entrepeneur extraordinaire ever true to his faith, family, community and cultivation of his many talents.

Not too long ago my wife, Linda, asked me for some grits. Not just grits, but Joe Trapp’s grits. Knowing I could find them at the local BP station et al, I decided the best solution was to call Joe directly and arranged to meet him at the farm.

On arrival I was directed to Joe’s “Man Cave” in back of the house to make my purchase. Being a Gamecock fan, I was able to overcome the very Clemson motif very quickly due to the warmth and charm of Joe’s sharing the art of making grits, sorghum, growing his corn, grapes, his woodcraft techniques as well as “tales” of Old Blythewood lore and folks.

Returning home nearly four hours later with three bags of grits, Linda asked how much she owed for the grits to which I replied “You can not put a price on these grits due to the entertainment value received during this visit”.

Joe Trapp, a true Blythewood icon, will surely be missed by his beloved family as well as the entire Blythewood community with which he gladly shared so much.

Thank you, Joe, we are all much richer to have known you.

Phil Frye