Grady Odell Earnhardt

1944 - 2025

Grady Odell Earnhardt, age 81, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House, Saturday, March 15, 2025. Born January 10, 1944, in Salisbury, NC, he was the son of the late Charlie Monroe Earnhardt and Virginia Russ Earnhardt.
In addition to his parents, Grady was preceded in death by his brothers, Charlie Monroe Earnhardt and Delmar Ray Earnhardt, and sisters, Doris Earnhardt Carter, Delcie Earnhardt Smith, Carolyn Earnhardt Cress, and Patricia Earnhardt Bowers.
He was a 1962 graduate of East Rowan High School in Rockwell, NC, and earned a diploma in Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration, and Electrical Installation from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-1966. He served on the USS America Aircraft Carrier as an aircraft fuel man. After his military career, he worked for Republic Foil (later called Norandal, National Aluminum, and most recently, Granges) for 43 years.
He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, where he served on the Council, was head usher for many years, a member of the Friendship Club, a former Youth Advisor, and served on several committees. He enjoyed traveling, raising beef cattle, gardening, reading, and spending time with his family and many fur babies over the years. He also volunteered at the Sing-a-Long at Trinity Oaks and delivered Meals on Wheels.
Left to cherish his memory are the love of his life, wife, Jennifer (Jenny) Myers Earnhardt, whom he married on April 4, 1971; son, Brian Wesley Earnhardt (Amber) of Salisbury; daughter, Kristie Earnhardt Henry (Eric) of Chicago; and grandchildren, Harley Earnhardt, Delilah Earnhardt, Mae Henry, Linus Henry, Annabelle Henry, and Alaina Long and one sister, Ruth Earnhardt Julian of Salisbury.
The family will greet friends and relatives from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM on Saturday, March 22, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.  A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM on Saturday, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Mark Ryman.  Burial with Military Graveside Rites conducted by the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Navy will follow in the church cemetery.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ronnie Barrier, Novant Health Heart and Vascular Institute, and the amazing staff at Glenn Kiser Hospice House for the compassionate care they provided Grady in his final days. Your kindness, dedication, and support will never be forgotten. You truly made a difference, and we are forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Capital Improvement Fund at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 205 St. Paul's Church Road, Salisbury, NC 28146.
Powles Staton Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.