Grady Thermon Ferrell Jr.

Grady Thermon Ferrell, Jr., 83, passed away May 29, 2024, with family at his home after a prolonged illness. Grady was born in Raleigh on June 22, 1940 to Grady T. Ferrell, Sr. and Pauline Britt Ferrell. He was a graduate of the class of 1958 at Needham Broughton High School where he was Vice President of his senior class and quarterback for the football team. Grady grew up in Raleigh and was always involved in sports including competitive baseball leagues in his earlier years and football during high school. Grady was awarded a full scholarship to North Carolina State University where he received a degree in Civil Engineering in 1962 and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity and served as KA president his Senior year. He went on to continue his education at Wake Forest Law School earning another full scholarship and graduated in 1965. He clerked for a Superior Court Judge in Greensboro for two years before joining a private law practice in Salisbury, NC. He returned to Raleigh to join Cameron Brown Mortgage Company for eight years. In 1979 Grady and Freddie Johnson started Shelter Ltd., a custom building company, and then as Freddie moved on to other callings Grady continued building on his own until his son-in-law joined him in 2000 up to his retirement in 2007.
Grady was the eldest of six children. Grady was predeceased by his parents, his sister Diane Ferrell, his nephew Chris Ferrell, and Lynda Goode Ferrell the mother of their children. He is survived by his wife Dede; his daughter Mary Hampton Ferrell Neuhoff and her husband Ken, his son Grady Thermon Ferrell III (Trace) and his wife Nikki, and grandchildren Hampton Ferrell and Haylee Ferrell; his sister Janet F. Comrie, and brothers Kip Ferrell (Ann), Brent Ferrell (Debbie), and Bill Ferrell (Melissa). He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews and his furry canine companion Bobo.
Grady was a quick learner and leader and carried with him a competitive spirit that was evident in so many things he took on. He loved multiple sports, both as an athlete and spectator. He was often coaching his son's Little League or basketball teams and he spent time playing in the YMCA adult rec league. He was bitten by the golf bug, and he spent many years playing and just as much time practicing to try and master the sport – always a work in progress as his "golf room" and golf club collections reflected his drive and dedication. Grady was an excellent bridge player and loved to dance especially if it involved beach music. Being outdoors especially on a golf course or the beach was truly a magical place for him.
Grady had perfect attendance for all seven years he was in the Men's Bible Study Fellowship group and then became a part of another bible study led by Johnny Evans. Grady held different positions in the churches he was a part of over the years. Even though singing on key may have been one of the few things he didn't excel at, he was always sure to make a "joyful noise" when singing the hymns. Grady was upbeat, kind, engaging and easy to be around. He did not back down from hard work and enjoyed everyone and everything in his path. Even as his health declined, he maintained an appreciative spirit for those that worked with him and a sense of humor that often shined through. He is already so missed but remains in our hearts and will be loved always.
A service to celebrate Grady's life will be held on Tuesday June 4 at 2:00 pm at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC 27608. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hayes Barton United Methodist Church or a charity of one's choice. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those that have helped be a part of Grady's care and to Yelzi and Cozette who have been true rock stars over this past year.