Henry "Grady" Stanley's Obituary
Henry Grady Stanley was born on June 12, 1920, in Milan, Georgia and passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2016 in Rockwall, Texas. Preceded in death by his father, Henry Grady Stanley, his mother, Laura Cook Stanley and his brothers Joe Frank Stanley and Leswing Stanley. Grady is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Jo Ann, his three sons Steve, Gary and Daryl Stanley and daughter and son-in-law Cynthia and Fred Pate of Tyler. Granddaughters Robyn Kennedy of Omaha, Nebraska, Amy Callahan of San Diego, California, grandson James Stanley of Royse City, and granddaughters Leslie Robbins of Bryan and Kelsey Pate of Tyler. He was blessed with eight great grandchildren, Abigail, Ezra, Sarah and Eli Kennedy, Harrison and Quentin Callahan and Cade and Lexy Stanley. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home, Dallas. Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 1:30 PM at First Methodist Church of Rowlett. Grady was a survivor. As someone who experienced the ravages of the Great Depression by serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps, defended the Philippines from Japanese invasion until ordered to surrender, journeyed on the infamous Bataan Death March and suffered under brutal treatment and forced labor as a Japanese POW for more than three years, he was familiar with adversity. Yet after several decades of great struggle, he met Jo Ann, his bride for life, had four children, worked faithfully as a postal employee and experienced decades of contentment and satisfaction as he fulfilled the role of a committed husband, dedicated father and loyal friend to many. As a decorated World War II POW survivor, Grady was often sought after to speak at schools and other civic organizations. He enjoyed the opportunity to share his experiences honestly and openly. He has traveled across the country, with his wife and sons, participating in events to commemorate the sacrifice of the Bataan survivors. Throughout the last sixty years, Grady and Jo Ann have been members of Casa Linda Methodist Church, St. Phillips Methodist Church and most recently, First Methodist Church of Rowlett. At each stop they have loved and been loved my many faithful friends. Grady’s final trial was experienced on December 26, 2015 as a tornado ripped apart and totally destroyed his home of forty-two years. Grady, his wife, and oldest son sought safety in a small secure room within their house. After a long night spent in their car, devoted friends from the fire department orchestrated an early morning rescue. Ironically, this tragedy brought his entire family together to him for one final reunion. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Methodist Church of Rowlett Building Fund.
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