He was born in Jefferson, GA but spent the majority of his life in Athens, GA. Those who grew up with him and were family knew him as “Butch”, some knew him as “Grady”, and his grandchildren lovingly called him “Pop” or “Bop”. But over the past few decades he became known as “Shady Grady” although there was nothing shady about him. He just liked the way it sounded, and someone had gifted him that nickname. Shady Grady loved people and talking to people. He never met a stranger, in fact, when he met you, he would call you “friend” or “neighbor” because you were to him. The Georgia Bulldogs were his other love (other than his wife, kids, and grandkids) as his veins were filled with Red & Black. His smile and the twinkle in his eyes will be missed by many.
Grady was preceded in death by his father, Floyd James, and his mother, Mary.
He is survived by his wife Glenda, his three children, Mark, Kevin, and Jason, his sister Odessa, his brother Tafford, and grandchildren, Ethan, Ansley, Gabe, Hutson, and Sim.
Visitation will be held at Bernstein Funeral Home on Sunday, February 12, from 1:30-3:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Park at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Grady's memory may be made to Oconee Heights Baptist Church, 4180 Jefferson Rd., Athens, Georgia 30607.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com for the Tolbert family.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
