Grady Lynn Carter was born on September 6, 1946 and lost his battle with cancer on April 29, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Mary Dell (Sandlin) Carter; two sons Blake Mitchell and Neal Ross Carter; and brother-in-law Ira Thompson Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Gloria Ridgway Carter; his daughters and son-in-laws Angela Rosemary Amrine and Donnie Gregory, daughter and son-in-law Alicia Jane Pyron and Greg Pyron; seven grandchildren Josh Carter, Corie Carter, Cameron Gregory, Raegan Harris, Rachel Harris, Ryan Harris, and Reese Pyron; three great grandchildren, Andie and Aurora Breton, Lily Carter; sister Brenda Carter Thompson; mother-in-law Delphia Ridgway; stepmother Bea Carter; brother-in-laws and wives Ben and Debbie Ridgway, Gary and Monica Ridgway, Bill and Karen Ridgway and John and Denise Ridgway; step sister and husband Dian and Billy Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He met and married the love of his life 37 years ago and no matter if on a sunny beach in Mexico or just enjoying life with family and friends they were inseparable. Family and many friends will stand beside and walk with Gloria as she continues her life journey without the man that brought so much happiness and joy into her life.
After thirty-two years of service, Grady enjoyed his retirement from Dupont where he was a first line supervisor. Retirement allowed him to enjoy fishing, sports and time in the kitchen cooking the dishes he was best known for, gumbo and fried fish. He took great joy entertaining family and friends in the home he loved so much and took great pride in making his house a home.
As a lifetime member of Second Baptist Church in Baytown, Grady served God by living a life of purpose. He was the pillar of his family and was often sought after by others for advice and support. “Pop” was adored by his grandchildren and his granddaughter wrote just today, “I’m glad God chose me to be his granddaughter”.
Maya Angelou said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you’ve said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.” This was Grady’s gift and the gift he shared with everyone that knew him. There was always a twinkle in his eyes and an irresistible grin on his face. He had the unique ability to make each person feel special. He is a light that will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
His daughters said it best when they expressed that they had lost the love of their lives, an amazing dad, husband, Pop, brother and friend. He embodied what every man should be and to say he will be missed is an understatement.
There will be a Celebration of Life on May 11, 2019 at 10 am at The Second Baptist Church Baytown, Texas, directed by Navarre Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to share their personal stories of Grady on the Navarre Funeral Home website. If you knew him and loved him, you will have a story to share.
The family has requested that in lieu of usual remembrances to please consider a donation to:
St. Judes Children’s Research
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
Memorial ID #11626895
Or
Second Baptist Church
6227 N. Main St.
Baytown, TX 77521
