October 5, 2026, 69, – Jarvis Dawson Grady, 69, passed away peacefully on Monday evening at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, surrounded by the love of his family. Jarvis was born in Wayne County on May 28, 1957, to the late Edna Mae Dawson Grady and Norwood Louis Grady. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dwight Grady; step-son, Brian Smith; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Marion “Scrooge” and Eleanor Wilson; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dennis and Brenda Wilson, Lamont Wilson, and Vera Wilson.
Jarvis was a devoted husband, loving stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He shared 44 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Mary Wilson Grady, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and caring for others.
Jarvis is survived by his wife, Mary; step-daughter, Angie Smith Cianfarra and husband, Nick; grandchildren, Justin Cianfarra and wife, Dahlia, and Briley Smith; and great-grandchildren, Declan Cianfarra and Jensen Cianfarra. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Regis Wilson, Ruth Smith and husband, Kent, Joe Wilson and wife, Wanda, John Wilson and wife, Wanda, Esther Wilson, Linda Smith and husband, Sammy, and Cheryl Wilson; and several nieces and nephews he loved very much.
For many years, Jarvis worked as a truck driver with Goldsboro Milling Company. While he took great pride in his work, those who knew Jarvis will remember him most for the way he gave of himself to others. He was a generous man with his time, his resources, and his heart. If someone needed help, Jarvis was often the person who could be counted on to step up and lend a hand.
His commitment to serving others was especially evident through his 38 years with the Elroy Volunteer Fire Department. Jarvis faithfully served his community as a volunteer firefighter and also served as chaplain for several years. His service was not simply a responsibility—it was a reflection of the kind of man he was: someone who cared deeply about people and wanted to make a difference in their lives.
Jarvis was also a faithful member of St. John Free Will Baptist Church, where his faith was an important part of his life. He regularly shared his gift of music by singing solos, serving as a musician, and participating in the church choir. His love for the Lord and his church family was evident in the way he served and encouraged others.
Away from work and service, Jarvis enjoyed the simple things that brought him joy. He especially loved riding his Harley with his “boys,” making an annual tradition of hitting the open road together. He had a knack for finding the most crooked back roads, making the journey just as memorable as the destination.
But perhaps one of the greatest reflections of Jarvis’s heart was his love for children. He had a special place in his heart for babies and children and took great joy in spending time with them. His generosity often extended quietly to children he did not even know. If Jarvis learned of a family who could not afford Christmas gifts for their children, he would find a way to provide
money to help—without ever wanting the children to know that he was the one who made it possible. He gave not for recognition, but simply because he believed in helping people.
That was Jarvis. He had a big heart and a giving spirit. He found joy in making someone else’s life a little easier, brighter, or happier. His legacy will live on not only in the memories of those who loved him, but also in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, service, faith, and generosity.
Jarvis will be deeply missed, but his family finds comfort in knowing that the love he gave so freely will continue through the generations he leaves behind.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, followed by a service to celebrate Jarvis’s life at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel, with Pastor Wade Parker officiating. Interment will follow in the Wilson Family Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Jarvis’s memory to Cures for Colors, SMOC, 203 Cox Blvd., Goldsboro, NC 27534, or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
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