Michael Douglas "Mike" Grady

1944 - 2025

Michael Douglas "Mike" Grady Riverdale , GA - Michael Douglas Grady, age 80, of Riverdale, Georgia passed away after an extended illness, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at home. He was surrounded by love, family and friends - just the way he wanted. He was born on December 27, 1944 in Janesville, Wisconsin to Frankwood "Hap" Grady and Betty (Guenther "Fred") Hartung. Mike was a 1963 graduate of Janesville High School. He later attended Milton College, where he was a member of Delta Kappa. He graduated from UW-Whitewater in 1967 as a History major. Mike then served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. While living in Janesville, he enjoyed teaching swimming lessons and working at the YMCA summer camp during high school and college. He worked at the family's C & B Restaurant and General Motors. Mike moved to Atlanta, Georgia in the early 1970's and worked at Helena Rubinstein, Inc., and then as a medical supplies salesman at Will Ross, and Fitd's. He was united in marriage to the love of his life and soul mate, Nikki Talavera, on December 3, 1979 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were true companions with an epic love story. They were Atlanta Falcon season ticket holders for years and enjoyed going to games. They loved traveling and went on fourteen cruises with the Caribbean being one of their favorite destinations. Together they donated to many charities and enjoyed their volunteering for Meals on Wheels. They seemed to make friends with just about everyone. Mike loved playing online Vegas games, posting to his heart's content on Facebook, playing cribbage and listening to or telling a good joke. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by family and friends alike. If you were a friend of his, you were a friend for life. He is survived by his wife, Nikki; Nieces, Susan (Todd) Morris and Sheryl Murray, both of Watertown, WI; great-niece, Cassaundra (Lukas) Saeger; great-nephew, Austin (Kat) Murray and two other nieces; cousin-in-law, Annie Clark of Nashville, GA; half-siblings in Stoughton, WI and step-siblings in Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas R. Grady; and step-father, Curtis Avery. A special thanks to Carmen Evelyn Russell, RN for the quality care she offered during his final journey. A private memorial service will be held in Georgia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in his name to a charity of your choice could be made. The Cremation Society of Georgia, Inc. is assisting the family.