Grady Delling, 88, of Midwest City was born August 19, 1925, to Bennie and Hettie Delling in Melbourn, Ark. Coming to Oklahoma as an infant, he grew up in the Seward & Waterloo areas, attending high school at Edmond High. Grady served in WWII where he received the Purple Heart for active duty in the Philippines, Combat Infantryman Badge, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon & 2 Bronze Service Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon & 2 Bronze Service Stars, and 2 Overseas Bars. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Helen Miller, for 68 years and they were blessed with two daughters, Pam and Janet. Grady loved the grocery business and worked for Safeway and later joined The Fleming Co. as a meat specialist and supervisor for thirteen years before deciding to venture out on his own. He then purchased his first IGA Super Market in Midwest City, and branched out to the Harrah, Choctaw, Shawnee, and Tecumseh areas, under the name “Country Boy.” Being a Country Boy at heart he also loved his ranch, where he spent many hours with his cattle, buffalo, and gardening. Grady had a keen gift of gab, loved to have fun. He was always eager to help anyone in need. He was loved and admired by his family and friends. Grady was a 32nd ° Mason and belonged to the Scottish Rites, Guthrie, OK. He was an avid golfer and sportsman. He was also a “Sundowner” volunteer. Grady served on the Oklahoma Retail Grocery Board of Directors in 1978, serving as Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President before becoming President 1992-1993. He was honored as “Retailer of the Year” by Fleming Co. on April 4, 1991. Grady and his wife Helen were active in the grocery business for 27 years before retiring and turning the operation over to the family. He attended the First Baptist Church. Grady is survived by his wife Helen of 68 years; daughters Pam Boyle and husband Danny Boyle, Janet Miller and husband Gary Miller; 3 grandchildren, Scott Boyle and wife Kim Boyle, Lori Lee and husband Kevin, Dena Payn and husband Chad; 9 great grandchildren, Tanner Boyle, Ali Boyle, Taylor Lee, Stephen Lee, 2 very special foster grandchildren, Caleb Payn, Nathan Payn, and Lorelai Payn. Memorials may be made to the “Grady and Helen Delling Helping Hand Lifetime Scholarship Fund” at Oklahoma Grocers Education Foundation, P.O. Box 18716, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. Special thanks to Sienna Extended Care Facility and staff for their care of Grady and a special thank you to Celina Lawson, whose loving care helped us get through the last year. Funeral services will be held at Bill Eisenhour Northeast Funeral Home, Thursday, January 16th at 10am followed by a private family burial.
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