Larry James Grady passed away on January 23, 2019, surrounded by his family. Larry was born at home in Hazen, Arkansas in 1941 to Lela Mae Livesay Grady and Socratus “Crate” Grady. He was the second of three children, brother to beloved siblings, Marilyn Sims of Hazen and Mike Grady. Larry was married to Sue Williamson Grady of Hazen for the last 20 years. He was the beloved father of Jason Grady of Lonoke, Jody Grady of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Julie Serna of Jacksonville, Florida, and Kim Smith of Jonesboro. Larry was the adored father-in-law of Renee Grady of Lonoke, Kerri Grady of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Joe Serna of Jacksonville, Florida. He was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren, Tyler Grady, Jenna Grady, Rowan Grady, Aiden Grady, Gavin Serna, Brady Smith, and Wes Smith.
Larry was a lifelong member of the Hazen First United Methodist Church and served with the Arkansas National Guard from 1962 to 1967. Larry spent a lifetime running Grady’s Grocery Store and Gas Station in Hazen. After 36 years of running the store, Larry retired from being self-employed and worked as a butcher for both Mayflower in Carlisle and City Market in Hazen.
When he was not in the store, Larry enjoyed fishing, going to the White River on his party barge and his fishing boat. He loved hunting and camping. He especially loved sitting around a campfire at deer camp with his brother, Mike and his brother-in-law, Buddy Sims, telling great stories to his children and grandchildren.
Larry’s greatest love was playing guitar and writing songs about his family. His songs could evoke both light-hearted laughter and sentimental tears. Many people were moved by his songs. He passed his love of music onto his children. In his prime, he was an impressive dancer, even winning a televised dance contest on Steve Steven’s Dance Party. Larry had a big, kind heart, a tremendous sense of humor and a simple, no-nonsense approach to life. He will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Hazen First United Methodist Church, 211 North Hazen Avenue, Hazen, Arkansas prior to the memorial service in the church at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Hazen United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 712, Hazen, Ar. 72064.
Sorry for your loss. He was a good friend and will be missed. Prayers for the family. Larry and Judy Weems
Our longtime Prairie County citizens are passing on quickly, too quickly it seems, one right after another. We remember Mr. Crate and his generation well. Now his son Larry has joined that “innumerable caravan” into the
pages of history. But Larry’s legacy will continue in the hearts and minds of those who will forever cherish precious memories of him. He was a hard-working, kind, charitable man who made Hazen and Prairie County a better place by his life of service to others. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. Our prayers and sympathy continue for Larry’s family. Billy and Gail Booth
Mrs. Sue I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Larry. I loved working with him for those few years at the store. He was so sweet! I loved sitting and taking with him. I especially liked listening to his stories. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Grady family, We are sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Your friends at CartiNLR
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Larry. My prayers are with you all.