Mr. Ronny Arlester "Rags" Grady

Mr. Ronny Arlester (Rags) Grady transitioned from earth to glory on October 4, 2025. He was born in August 25, 1953 and raised in Erie, PA. He is the eldest child of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dave & Thelma Grady. Raise by a mother who believed that if she "Train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6, he was indeed a man of faith, and in his later years he and his wife joined with The Bread of Heaven Church family.

Mark Twain once said, "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life". Rags, as he was affectionately known, retired from The Erie City Mission, in a position that he deeply enjoyed and where his compassion and servant hearted nature shined through. He was a true servant of the people, just like his mother. His joy of service shown brightest when he served people, whether it was driving seniors as a GECAC Senior aide, an advisor at The Erie City Mission's homeless shelters or at the family owned day care, his service and contributions created positive relationships and offered compassion and care to the least of God's people.

Known for being very dapper (stylish dresser), hence the nickname "Rags, he was also a true nature enthusiast, he loved being outdoors and enjoyed entertaining family and friends, where his wicked sense of humor often made him the life of the party."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Dave Grady and Deaconess Thelma Grady; beloved maternal grandmother, Sis. Virgie Brown; son, Darrold Birchfield; and sibling Ms.Trina D. Grady and Mr. Dave Grady.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved soulmate, his wife Mrs. Denise Grady; his children: Alicia Atkinson (Pittsburgh, PA), Ronnie Grady, Jr. (Erie, PA), Latoya Larkin (San Antonio, TX), Nivea Grady (Pittsburgh, PA), Terra Larkin (Erie, PA), Shareese Birchfield (Erie, PA), Rashad Alise Grady (Erie, PA), Da'Mon Grady (Erie, PA), Tammy Birchfield(Erie, PA), and Love Carr (Erie, PA); sibling April F. Tate (Eddie) Charlotte, NC, Shawn E. Grady (Otis) Charlotte, NC, Arlo D. Grady (Andrea) Durham, NC; a special great-aunt, Minister Mary Henderson, (Erie, PA) and god-sibling Dennis Henderson, Jr (Monica) Pittsburgh, PA and LaWanda Goodwine (Rev. Amos, Jr.); Twenty-four grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, acquaintances and Church Families. Mr. Grady's abounding faith, abundant love, compassion and amazing service has touched many. Rags, you're greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

"I am rich with compassion and loaded with love."