Kelly Roy Graddy, 86, born on November 24, 1932, peacefully passed away on the morning of May 13, 2019 at Hampton Veterans Medical Center Hospital. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:6-7.
A native of “Little” Washington, North Carolina, he was the son of late Samuel Graddy Sr and Charlotte White Graddy. He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Willie “Ossie” Graddy, James Walter Graddy and 4 sisters, Mary Helen Graddy Tillery, Olivia Beatrice Graddy King, Ethel Mae Graddy and Annie Laura Graddy Warren.
Kelly graduated from P.S Jones High School in Washington, NC in 1951 with honors where he participated in many school activities and had the distinction of being elected Student Body President.
He was drafted by the U.S. Army but chose to enlist instead in the United States Air Force in 1952, during the Korean War as an aircraft technician. After being honorably discharged in 1956, he attended Norfolk State College and Virginia State College and obtained the Bachelor of Science Degree from Norfolk State College in Industrial Education. He was hired as a Industrial Arts teacher at Churchland High School in Chesapeake and had the historical honor of being first and only African-American teacher in the school’s history back in 1966. He later taught at Carver and Crestwood High Schools. After teaching, he became self-employed and spent many successful years as a Master Brick Mason. Over the years, Kelly personally trained many others the coveted skill of brick masonry.
He was married to Dorothy L. Reid back in the early 70’s from which they had one daughter. Kelly was a lifelong member of the Prince Hall Mason Providence Lodge #189 located in Chesapeake.
He is survived by his daughter, Katrina Graddy Hall of Virginia Beach, VA and his brother Samuel L. Graddy and Sister in Law Jane Graddy of Snellville, Georgia; a special niece Ms Carolyn Hayes and cousin Mr. Rufus Joyner both Norfolk, VA and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. “It is well, it is well with my soul.”
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Betty Graddy-Mitchell says
May 20, 2019 at 10:35 amWords cannot express how sorry we feel about the passing of Roy. Deepest condolences
From the children, grandchildren,and great grandchildren of
Johnnie/Pearl Graddy
richard whitehurst says
May 20, 2019 at 10:53 amKelly Roy Graddy was “Good Man” who helped many people. He will be missed. Deepest condolences to the family. He was loved by many.
Peggy King says
May 21, 2019 at 12:43 pmKatrina,
Stay strong.
Your father will always be a part of you. Your love from him will always be there. Be grateful for the time you shared with him. He will be missed by all. We love you very much. You will be in our prayers.
Aunt Peggy and family ❤️
Deanna Archibald says
May 20, 2019 at 1:14 pmFrom The Archibald Family to The Graddy Family & friends…We were very sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. He was a beautiful person. Always willing to help anyone he could at any time…To Trina…You are a beautiful daughter. You did a supreme job with your father and asked for nothing in return. You WILL be forever blessed♥️
Miciah Foreman says
May 23, 2019 at 9:05 amI’m very sorry for your loss. You may like to read John 5:28,29. God promises to remove pan and death very soon.
Louise M Whitehurst says
May 24, 2019 at 3:45 pmTo Kelly’s Family and Friends,
Life Is for the Living,
And so We must Go On- – –
Trusting God to See Us Through,
When Those We Love Have Gone – –
For Those Who Have Departed,
Now Claim Their Sweet Reward – –
Exchanging Life on Earth,
For Life Forever with Our Lord.
May God, Who Called Your Loved One Home,
Be Close to You – May He Enfold You with His Love
And Give You Comfort.
And so we say Farewell to a Very, Very Dear Friend!
With Deepest Sympathy,
Mrs. Louise M Whitehurst & Family
Lin says
May 26, 2019 at 5:23 amI am truly sorry for your loss, what really comforted me in my time of loss is the scripture@ Revelation 21:3&4 . Which gives us the wonderful promise of God wiping out every tear from our eyes and death being no more. I hope this promise from Jehovah will truly bring your family much comfort at this time.