Rev. William H. Grady, 80, of Ashley Falls, Massachusetts, passed away at his home of 50 years on Tuesday, April 5, 2016.
Born on March 3, 1936 in Augusta, Ga., William was the son of the late Mamia Wesby and William Grady. He attended school until it was no longer possible for him. In fourth grade he had to leave school to help out in the crop fields to make a better life for his family. William restarted his education later in life at Berkshire Community College in Great Barrington so he could better his knowledge of reading and writing. Some of William’s stories of growing up in Georgia and learning to read and write later in life can be heard at the national archives.
He married his girlfriend of many years, Gladys I. Franklin, on February 26, 1966. The couple was married for 48 years when Gladys died on March 8, 2014. William was in a gospel quartet and produced one album in the late 1950s. He would follow his voice and his teaching to become Rev. William Grady in 1973 while working to support his children and wife. Finally, he settled down to work at Pfizer in Canaan, Conn., where he would retire after 35 years.
William is survived by his children and their loved ones. He is also survived by his loving sister and brothers who were all at his bedside when the Lord came down and took his soul to join his wife, one brother, two sisters, and his mother and father.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rev. William H. Grady Memorial Fund through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances may be sent to his family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.
