February 11, 2022, 78, Goldsboro –

Bobby Earl Grady, 78, closed his eyes to this earthly life and awakened in eternity with his Lord on Friday, February 11, 2022, while surrounded by his family. Bobby was born in Wayne County to the late Sam O. Grady and Lucile Grady Dawson on July 14, 1943. In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Grady.

Bobby graduated from Seven Springs High School and attended North Carolina State University. He was an avid fan of NC State.

With a faith that could move mountains, Bobby worshiped his Lord faithfully throughout his life. From growing up at St. John Free Will Baptist Church to worshiping later in life at New Hope Friends Church, Bobby was always active in ministry. He made sure his children were in church every Sunday, and nothing took precedence over worship. At St. John and New Hope Friends, he served as an usher, on the grounds committee, and sang in the church choir.

Hardworking and loyal, Bobby hardly ever missed a day at his job with Sears. After retiring with 32 years of service at Sears, Bobby continued to volunteer in his community, especially with Meals on Wheels. He was equally dependable to his family and friends, maintaining many close relationships with the folks in Goldsboro.

There was no better place of peace and contentment for Bobby than at his stables with the horses. Truly part of his family, the love and trust between them were exceptional. If Bobby couldn’t be with his horses, he’d just as soon be in his yard as anything else.

Nothing held more prominence in Bobby’s life than the love and care for his family. He took an interest in the life of each of them, and their love for him was a mere reflection of the affection they received from him. We will remember him most for his embodiment of gentleness, grace, and selflessness, and his compelling inspiration to be the same.

Bobby is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Carolyn Williams Grady; daughters and their husbands, Kelly and Damon Race of Raleigh and Holly and Kendall Hardee of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Kayla Ahlers (Peyton), Ciera Jackson (Jake), Harrison Hansen, Anna Race, Kate Hansen, Briggs Race, and Lila Race; brother, Larry Dawson and wife, Kim; and several nieces and nephews he loved very much.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022 in the Family Life Center at New Hope Friends Church. A service to celebrate Bobby’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Bill Garner and Andrew Hise officiating. Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Grady Family Cemetery, Hwy. 111 South, Goldsboro.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by Community Home Care and Hospice in Goldsboro. Love and heartfelt thanks is also expressed to his special nurse, Crystal Sutton, who was not only a caregiver but also a special friend. Simple words cannot express our gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Community Home Care & Hospice, 2309 Wayne Memorial Dr., Goldsboro, NC 27534 or New Hope Friends Church, 4451 U.S. Hwy 70, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.