Grady Larry Bagley Sr.

Grady Larry Bagley, Sr.

January 12, 1942 – August 6, 2026

Grady Larry Bagley, Sr., 84, of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, stories, and a family who loved him dearly.

Grady was born on January 12, 1942, in Calhoun, Georgia, to William and Frankie Bagley. From his Georgia roots came a lifelong love of family, hard work, and, of course, Georgia Bulldog football.

Grady proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, honorably completing four years of service. He was always happy to share a good Air Force story, and those stories became part of family history that will be remembered and retold for generations.

Following his military service, Grady built a 32-year career with General Motors as an auto body repairman. He was a hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family and in knowing how to fix just about anything with wheels. Cars were more than a career for Grady—they were a lifelong passion. He loved working on them, collecting Mustangs, and spending time doing what he enjoyed most.

But Grady’s greatest treasures were never found in a garage. They were the people he loved.

Grady first met Lona “Susie” Bagley when she was working as a car hop at Shoney’s. What began with a chance meeting grew into a beautiful love story. Together, they raised two children and shared 34 years of marriage before Susie’s passing. Their life together gave Grady some of his most cherished memories and a family he loved deeply.

Later in life, Grady was fortunate enough to find love a second time. After injuring himself at work, he met the nurse who was dressing his wound—Suzanne Cleary. Somewhere between tending to his injury and getting to know one another, a romance took off. Their love story continued for 26 wonderful years of marriage. Grady was an extraordinarily devoted husband, and Suzanne was the love and companion who stood beside him through all of life’s adventures. Together, they shared a love of travel, exploring destinations throughout the United States as well as venturing across Europe. From discovering new places and experiencing different cultures to simply enjoying the journey together, Grady and Suzanne created countless cherished memories along the way. Their travels were a reflection of the life they shared—full of adventure, laughter, discovery, and the joy of having one another by their side.

Grady had a personality that was impossible to forget. He was hardworking, funny, stubborn, impatient, and fiercely devoted to the people he loved. He could make you laugh, tell you exactly what he thought, and probably have the last word.

He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, so much so that he named his beloved Brittany Spaniel “Georgia” in honor of his team. He enjoyed watching college football, Hallmark Christmas movies, working on cars, collecting Mustangs, feeding the deer, and, most of all, spending time with those he loved. His Air Force stories, his sense of humor, and his unmistakable personality will be missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Grady leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne Cleary Bagley; his children, Grady Bagley, Jr. and wife Sandra, and Susan Fast and husband Ray; his stepchildren, Jeff Masterson and wife Natalie, and Kelly Carmody and husband James; his sister, Nancy Lynn Griggs; his grandchildren, Amber Hardy and husband Nick, Heather McMichen and husband Josh, Randall Scott Dempsey, Jr. and wife Baylie, Haylee Humphrey and husband Adam, Dylan Carmody, and Cooper Masterson; 15 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Miriam Bagley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lona “Susie” Bagley; his parents, William and Frankie Bagley; his brother, Ralph Lewis Bagley; his grandson, Brad Dempsey; and his brother-in-law, Paul H. Griggs.

A visitation for family and friends to gather will be held at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30152, US, on August 14, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service to honor Grady will take place at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30152, US, on August 15, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Committal Service will follow at Pineridge Memorial Park, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30152, US, on August 15, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

Grady lived a full life. He served his country, worked hard, loved deeply, raised a family, found love twice, told plenty of stories, enjoyed the simple pleasures, and left his mark on everyone who knew him.

Though his chair may now be empty and his voice quiet, the stories will continue, the laughter will remain, and his love will live on in the generations he leaves behind.

So, in true Grady fashion, perhaps this isn't goodbye—just the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next great adventure.

Rest easy, Grady. Your work here is done. Your family is loved, your legacy is secure, and your Georgia Bulldogs will always have a fan cheering for them somewhere beyond the clouds.

Go Dawgs.