Richard Hiram Grady

Richard Hiram Grady, 77, of Biloxi, MS, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. Richard was a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His kindness knew no boundaries, always ready with a helping hand, an encouraging word or a shoulder to lean on, always putting others first. He was a retired master carpenter and lifetime member of the Carpenters’ Union where he held the position of Business Agent along the Gulf Coast for several years before retiring. A few projects he served a major role in include Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Keesler Air Force Base hospital, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and the Ramada Inn Front Beach. He was also owner/operator of the Chevron gas station in D’Iberville in the 1970s. He was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and a graduate of Notre Dame High School. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus with Sacred Heart Parish. He was predeceased by both of his parents, Eugene and Lily Grady; four brothers; and four sisters. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of over 55 years, Delores Hebert Grady; one son, Richard Grady, Jr.; four daughters, Rachelle Grady, Robin (Billy) Parker, Rhonda (Bill) Compton, Rebecca (Ron) Cross; eight grandchildren, Jessica (Kris) Trochesset, Richard (Kristan) Grady, III, Trevor Compton, Morgan Compton, Caitlin Cross, Dalton Cross, Logan Cross, Tristan Cross; great-grandchildren, Rilee Trochesset, Weston Grady and a third due in August; and one sister, Audrey Grady, along with multiple nieces, nephews and other relatives. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Janice L. Miles for her efforts and care of him in the hospital. Also, a special thank you to Notre Dame Hospice, especially Paul, Lisa, Suzi and Jennifer. The family asks that no flowers be sent. Instead, donations can be made to Sacred Heart Parish St. Vincent de Paul Society, P.O. Box 1228 Biloxi, MS 39533, St. Jude‘s Children‘s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or your favorite charity. “Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long. For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone. It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, a step on the road to home.” The family takes comfort in knowing he is home with his Lord and is no longer in pain or suffering. We will miss him, but know we will see him again one day. Our master carpenter will build our stairway to heaven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Morris Cemetery (Cedar Lake). The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.