Grady Barron Obituary
Grady grew up in Columbus, Georgia and attended Columbus College. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1963 and attended Georgia State University earning a Bachelor of Business degree in accounting and a master's degree in finance. He also met his wife, Peggy, at Georgia State.
He worked for several banks in Atlanta and Knoxville before joining the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1983. He retired from the FDIC in December 2005 and Peggy and Grady moved back to Knoxville in October 2006. He became actively involved in Knoxville Guinea Pig Rescue and was affectionately known as the official KGPR "Guinea Pig Whisperer," he helped rehabilitate hundreds of guinea pigs over the years. Any guinea pig that came into the rescue that was extremely shy or scared would just melt once in Grady's lap. We never understood how he did it but were so thankful for his special talent. Perhaps his quiet voice, calm demeanor, and love of old western movies helped ease their nervousness. It was truly magical to witness.
He loved NFL football, especially the Washington Commanders, college football, horror movies, and vintage westerns. He accumulated an astounding collection of vintage movies on DVD and always spent his leisure time watching his favorites with a guinea pig or two. Cats were a late addition to his family. He will be sorely missed by Taffy, Shadow, Whiskers, Bogie, Onyx, and Pebbles.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy A. Barron (Knoxville); son, Sam Barron (Knoxville); granddaughter, Amber Barron (Knoxville); brothers, Tommy Barron (Debra) of Phenix City, AL, and Bill Barron (Linda) of Columbus, GA.
A visitation will be held at Click Funeral Home - Middlebrook Chapel from 2:00-4:00pm, Friday, August 4 with a memorial service to follow, Rev. Evelyn Harris officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to your favorite animal rescue organization.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Angie Heldman Palko
July 29, 2023
Peggy and Sam, I was so sorry to read of Grady's death today. While I haven't seen him in many years, he was always a kind, helpful man. I can definitely see him being the "guinea pig whisperer". You're in my thoughts and prayers.
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T. D.
July 26, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief, and find comfort from knowing that God draws close to the broken-hearted.
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9020 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923
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