Mr. Govenor "Gov" Grady, Jr.

Govenor “Gov” Grady, Jr. Born November 4, 1931, to Lula and Govenor Grady in South Bend, Indiana. He was one of eight siblings. Here, he attended South Bend Central where he led the Bears to an undefeated season and state championship as a halfback. He won All State, All-Northern Indiana Eastern Division Conference, and All-Twin-City honors which provided him a full ride to Ball State University. At Ball State, he was a four-year letterman in Football, the lead scorer two consecutive years and ranked 3rd in State. At graduation in 1956, the Baltimore Colts and Cleveland Browns contacted him about playing in the NFL, but he was already enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps with the United States Air Force. He served in the US Air Force as a Ground Control Intercept Specialist for 13 years until retirement as a Major in 1969. He also coached the Misaw Air Force Football Team in Northern Japan in 1956. While being stationed at Richards Gebaur Air Force Base in Belton, MO he met the love of his life Geraldine Sanders and were married for 66 years. As a result of their marriage, they had one daughter and two grandsons. After retiring from the Air Force, He worked as a Sales Representative for Thomas J. Lipton, Inc. for 25 years, receiving outstanding professional awards in 10 consecutive years. In 1988, he was inducted into Ball State Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1990, he was inducted into the Indiana State Hall of Fame. Later in life, he was honored with an associate membership in the Kansas City NFL Alumni Association. He was also privileged to be a longstanding Carafella of the Kansas City Carrousels, Inc. for 39 years. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and six siblings. He leaves to mourn; his wife Geraldine Grady (Leawood, KS), daughter, Sheri Grady Luke (Kansas City, MO), two grandsons, Michael Luke (Kansas City), Matthew Luke (Kansas City), sister, Doris Grady (Ocala, FL), brother, Spencer Grady, Sr. (Lillie) of South Bend, IN, a host of wonderful nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Memorial services Saturday, July 20, at 10:00am at Second Missionary Baptist Church of Grandview, MO. Private Disposition. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Ball State University Athletics 2000 W. University Ave | Muncie, IN 47306 https://connect.bsu.edu/Give-CVC .In Memory of Govenor "Gov" Grady, Jr. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Mr. Govenor "Gov" Grady, Jr.

November 4, 1931 - July 9, 2024