Claude M. Grady

Claude M. Grady, 78, of Valdese went to his Heavenly home on Monday, August 26, 2013. He was born in Burke County on December 23, 1934 and was a son of the late Frank McDowell Grady and Martha Ann Queen Grady. Mr. Grady was a veteran of the U. S. Army where he served in Germany and Ft. Knox with the 3rd Armored Division. In his youth he performed with his family in a Bluegrass band. During his work career he worked at several local furniture plants, and after his retirement he enjoyed working on sewing machines. Claude was a member and past master of Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217 and was a member of Oasis Shrine. He was also a member of Burkemont Baptist Church; the Democratic Men’s Club; and was an avid Washington Redskins fan.Claude is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Buff Grady; his son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Jacquie Grady; granddaughter, Jordan Parker all of Morganton; a brother, Kenneth Grady of Huntsville, Ala; sisters, Esther Whisnant and Leonia Poteat both of Morganton; and numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas and Charles Grady, and by a sister, Cleo Fulbright.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2013, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. David Mills and Rev. Eddy Bunton officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military honors by the NC National Guard and Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard and Masonic Rites by Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of Bryan and Jacquie Grady.Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Grady’s honor to Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris St., Greenville, SC 29605.