Grady Garrett Burnell

Reverend Grady Garrett Burnell was a dedicated husband and father. Grady passed away on Sunday October 15, 2023. He was born in Shreveport, LA on December 29, 1936, to Edmond and Ruth (Hawkins) Burnell. He attended school at Canaan Elementary School, and Central Junior High School. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Maryeon M. Burnell, née Collins, on April 15, 1959, in Las Vegas, NV. They were together for over 50 years before Maryeon was called Home.

After graduating high school, Grady enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country from August 1956 until July 1959, attaining the rank of Corporal First Class. Upon his Honorable Discharge, Grady enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and was Honorably Discharged in August 1962.

After leaving the Marines, Grady moved to Victorville, CA, and began working at Riverside Cement Company. He worked there for over 40 years. During his career, Grady moved up within the company from laborer to management. He worked as a laborer shoveling clinker; was the foreman of the labor crew, moved into the lab testing the cement for quality control; and retired as the Pack House supervisor. He attended Victor Valley Community College and graduated with his Associate’s in Science Degree.

Grady was a faithful member of the Spirit of Christ Tabernacle M. B. C. Victorville, CA for over 40 years. It was here he accepted the call to preach. He delivered his first sermon in March 2000. For more than the last 10 years, Grady served as the Assistant Pastor of Spirit of Christ Tabernacle, M.B.C.

Grady lived in Victorville for 64 years. In addition to his service in the Church, he was an active member of the community. He was a Commander in the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Reserves. He coached his sons in Junior All-American Football and also served a term as the President of the league. He served on the Planning Commission for the City of Victorville. He was a Mason in the High Desert Lodge # 107. He was an avid fisherman. He loved westerns.

Grady was preceded in homegoing by his wife- Maryeon, his son-Andre, his parents- Edmond and Ruth, two brothers – Jack and Ernest Ray and four sisters – Gladys (his twin), Doris, Mildred, and Bobbie Ruth. He is survived by his children Stephanie, Nari, Don, and Angela; brothers- Mack (Iris) and Johnnie (Hazel); grandchildren – Johanna, Robert, Desirae, Amber, Joseph, Shanna, Arianna, Dawnielle (Kris), Daniel DiMaio (Linda) and Laurie Angel (Johnny), and Tommy Thompson; and great-grandchildren - Layla, Symarean, Maxwell, Andrew, Cassandra, Gabriel, Matthew, Tasianna and Nathan; his goddaughter/niece Bianca Shehata, and a host of beloved family and friends.