For over 40 years, Betty Branch has created multiple sculptures in the Star City.

The Grandin community is wanting to make some improvements to Tarpley Park, named after James Tarpley, a man truly loved in the community for his willingness to give to others.

James Tarpley, a beloved figure in Roanoke's Grandin Village neighborhood, died Tuesday at 86. Hundreds of loved ones came to Heights Community Church on Saturday afternoon to say their final goodbyes. Tarpley was remembered as a selfless man who became the eyes and ears of Grandin Village for more than three decades. "He took the word 'neighbor' and moved it from a noun to a verb," said Heights Community Church Pastor Nelson Harris. "His spirit will be in the hearts of all of those who he touched, and I know that was everybody in Grandin Village," Reynolds said.

ROANOKE, Va. - The Grandin Village community is mourning the loss of James Tarpley, the 86-year-old "Angel of Grandin Road" who passed away in his sleep over the weekend. In his honor, Village Grille donated 35% of all food sales from Taco Tuesday to maintain Tarpley's park. Steadman met Tarpley when she moved into her bookstore in Grandin Village in 1999. Bryant recalled that Tarpley would frequently sit outside on the benches around town and talk with people in the area. Tarpley's friends described him as a Korean War veteran, a selfless neighbor, a friend -- and an angel-- watching over everyone in Grandin.