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Michael Edward "Mike" Grady

Michael Edward "Mike" Grady obituary, New Orleans , LA

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Michael Grady Obituary

Michael Edward "Mike" Grady, 78, died peacefully on April 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Mike was born at home in Prairie County, Arkansas in 1938 to Lela Mae and Socrates "Crate" Grady. He was the eldest of three children, brother to beloved siblings Marilyn Sims and Larry Grady of Hazen, and brother-in-law to Buddy Sims and Sue Grady of Hazen. Mike was married to Darlene Davidson Grady of Malvern for 22 years and was the treasured father of Greg Grady of Hazen and Mischelle Grady Thiels of New Orleans, and adored father-in-law to Paul Thiels of New Orleans and Diana Futhey-Smith of Fayetteville. Mike was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren Mychal and Nathan Grady and John Grady, Lillian and Beatrice Thiels. He loved nothing more than spending time with them in the woods or on the water, showing them all he had learned about hunting and fishing. After divorcing in the 1980's, Mike met his longtime companion and friend, Peggy Smith of Conway. He found more family in Peggy and her children, Mike and Steve Smith and Kelly Smith Bing and their children, Dylan, Meagan, Grace, Carter and Cassle.
Mike was a graduate of Hazen High School and continued to study throughout his adult life, attending Arkansas A&M for two years and taking college and professional development courses after that. Mike proudly served in the Arkansas National Guard. In 1965 Mike was hired as a Deputy Sheriff by his father, then Sheriff Crate Grady, and served in this position for eight years. After his father's death, and the brief interim service of his mother as Sheriff, Mike was elected Sheriff in 1973. As the Sheriff of a rural county, Mike saw many sad situations, often involving children. This led him, along with other fellow sheriffs, to appeal to the Arkansas Sheriffs' Association to start the Arkansas Sheriffs' Boys' Ranch in 1976. Mike was passionate about the now-named Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranch until he died. He was honored by the organization in November of 2013 for a lifetime of service.
In 1987 Mike was appointed Criminal Detention Facilities Coordinator by then governor Bill Clinton. In 1988 he co-authored the jail standards for the state of Arkansas that are still in effect today. Eventually Mike's gregarious personality and deep connections in the state led him to a sales position with City TeleCoin, selling phone and commissary systems to jails. He held this position for twelve years, finally retiring at age 75. He was so respected at the company that instead of letting him go when walking and driving became difficult, the company appointed him a driver so he could continue to make his rounds.
Mike was a man's man, an avid sportsman and loved hunting, fishing, horse racing, baseball, dancing, spending time with his children and grandchildren and sitting around a fire. He will be remembered for his generous nature, his fish frys, his devotion to his family, his love of the outdoors, and his wealth of jokes and stories. He was always ready to have a good time, loved to laugh and was still cracking jokes until the very end.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 6 at the Hazen First United Methodist Church, 211 N. Hazen Avenue, Hazen, Arkansas. Visitation begins at 10 am. Service at 11. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranch.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Log Cabin Democrat on May 4, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Grady

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Rosemary Walls(fowler)

April 12, 2019

Mr Grady live up the road on the other side of where I lived he was a great dad and and a great dad to his kids we was also our sherif . I like him and his family.i never had no problems he was always nice and understanding when I talked to him he is truly missed .

Arlene Roberton

May 6, 2017

Thinking of you and your family and your great loss.

John & Marie San Pietro

May 4, 2017

Our deepest condolences to all of the Grady Family. May the sorrow of Michael's passing be swift but the joy of his life and your fond memories of him stay with you all forever.

April 30, 2017

Sorry for your lost may the God of all comfort comforts all the family at this difficult time. Phillipians 4v 6&7.

Charles & Anne W. Allen

April 28, 2017

Mike Grady was greatly respected and beloved. He WILL be missed. His wonderful legacy of care and concern for others lives on. We send our prayers for his family. Thank you, Mike. Charles and Anne Allen, Little Rock, AR

Carmen Davidson

April 27, 2017

I still remember Mike, after all these years, and remember him as a GREAT Guy! I am So Sorry, Marilyn, and Larry...Love You, Carmen Evans Davidson Rest in Peace to You, Mike.

Leon Moon

April 27, 2017

Sheriff Grady was a very good man an Sheriff. He got me started in law enforcement back in the late 70's. Thinks Sheriff Grady for all the things you done for Prairie County. RIP SHERIFF!

JD Blackwood

April 27, 2017

I am so sorry to hear this. RIP sir ! May God be with you all in this time of need.

April 27, 2017

Everyday I go by your room and peep in looking for those blues eyes and that"hey girl",knowingly knowing you are not there. you are truly missed. Love Patrice

rosemary (walls) fowler

April 27, 2017

I was talking about mike the other day telling my kids about you all living down th road from us mike was a good man .I missed you all when you moved . he will truly be missed by many he touched a lot of lives.im greatful to have known him.

Anne Orsi

April 26, 2017

My love to you all. Mike was so special in so many ways.

April 26, 2017

I don't know know how to say all the things about this man. Mike took a chance on a young naive country boy and hired me as a deputy in 1982. he pointed me in the right direction and now after a 35 year career as a LEO , I hold the office he held in 1982 as the Sheriff of Prairie county. I wouldn't have made it this far if not for him taking a chance on me. Fly high Sheriff you have earned it. Rick Hickman ( Prairie County Sheriff).

Durinda Gammill

April 26, 2017

I am so sad to see this. My heartfelt condolences go out to Marilyn, Larry, and the whole family. Mike was a good friend to my family and someone that I just loved being around because he was so happy and made everybody feel good just being near him. I pray your good memories will help to see you through this. God bless you all.

Monica Lisko

April 26, 2017

Everyone loved Mike dearly. He was a wonderful friend, brother, dad, grandfather and so much more to so many people. He will be sadly missed by all. My prayers are with his sweet family. Love you all.

April 26, 2017

Mischelle , So very sorry to hear about your father. Lovie called to let me know. We talked about the many good times we all had way back when.. You kids were young, we were all young. It is very hard to lose a parent. A loss you feel for a very long time. Prayers for you and your family as you go through this difficult time. Gloria Michelsen and family.

Rhonda Snow Cheshier

April 26, 2017

My heartfelt condolences to the family. Prayers for peace.

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