ELIJAH GRADY

Today we celebrate the home going of our dear Elijah Grady, better known to many as "Big Red". On Saturday, March 5, 2022, the sun set on Elijah Grady, in San Antonio, Texas, where he resided. Elijah Grady was born in 1935 in Muldoon, Texas, to his parents Marjorie and Abie Grady Sr. He was later raised in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School, class of 1955. Shortly after graduating from high school, Elijah Grady married his high school sweetheart, Sara Bruce, and began attending Prairie View A&M University.  While attending Prairie View A&M, he was a member of the award-winning football team. He received many awards and acknowledgements during his playing seasons in high school and college, such as being rated the #1 Texas Fullback in 1956, setting a school record of obtaining the most touchdowns in a single season. Elijah Grady’s outstanding contribution and performance while playing for Prairie View A&M led to his nomination and induction into the PVILCA Hall of fame in 2009. Elijah and Sara Bruce were the loving parents of their five children. Elijah later became a member of Second Baptist Church in San Antonio. Elijah retired from DPT after 45 years of satisfactory service with the company. After retirement, Elijah Grady pursued two interests, for which we all know and will forever remember, his love for playing dominos and traveling.

Elijah Grady was preceded in death by his parents, Abie Sr. and Marjorie Grady; his only brother, Abie Grady Jr.; his late wife, Theresia Grady; and his son Ryan Grady, Sr. He is survived by his children, Bruce Grady (Marion), Valencia Dian Grady, Jeffrey Grady (Debbie), Darrell Grady (Courtney), honorary son, Cornell Graves III,  Step son, Riley Kendricks;  granddaughters Felicia Grady, Dr. Amber Grady, Sara Amelia Grady, BreeAnn Ashley (JonPaul Belongea); grandsons LaRon Grady, Langston Grady,  Ryan Grady Jr; great-grandchildren Elijah Grady, Anijah Grady, Cameron Grady, Isaiah Grady, Avalee Grady, Bruce Grady; life partner Frances Turner, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to cherish his memory.