Grady Randolph Warford, 90, passed away at his home in Sevierville Tennessee on Friday, January 30, 2015.
Born November 30, 1924, Grady was the 2nd child of Jason and Ethel Warford of Columbia. He graduated from Georgetown High School and, in early 1942, enlisted in the Navy. He served as a Gunner's Mate during WWII and Korea. Grady married his wife of 60 years, Catherine Bratton of Kelly, on May 10, 1952 and lived in Columbia for twenty five years.
Grady worked for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before retiring in 1979. After retiring he and Catherine spent their time traveling and enjoying life together in San Diego, Ca., Hingham, Ma., Orange Park & Milton, Fl., and Lawrenceville, Ga before settling in Sevierville in 2005.
Grady was a proud and dedicated Mason for over fifty years. He served twice as Master of his home Lodge, Columbia 164 and was proud to be the oldest living Past Master of the lodge. In addition, he was a member of Chamblee-Sardis Lodge 444 of Chamblee, Georgia and Mountain Star Lodge 197 of Sevierville, Tennessee.
Grady is preceded in death by his loving wife Catherine, his parents Ethel and Jason, and sister Clarice Lawrence.
He is survived by his four children: Jason Warford and wife Debby of Johns Creek Georgia, Rebecca Cimino and husband Patrick of Los Angeles, California, Carol Warford, and Andrea Warford both of Sevierville Tennessee. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Ben, Malinda, Brian, and David, plus 11 Great-grandchildren along with his sister, Patricia Isgitt of Tomball, Texas and numerous nieces, nephews, Lodge Brothers, and close friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the chapel of Riser Funeral Home in Columbia, LA. with Bro. Travis Sanders and Bro. Rick Crandall officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday February 3, 2015 at the funeral home from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Interment with full Masonic Rites will follow in the Old Union Cemetery at Grayson.
Grady will be remembered as a devoted husband, a generous and warmhearted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a caring brother, a loving uncle, and a trustworthy friend. He made life sweeter and better for everyone who knew him.
Serving as pallbearers are Irby Gamble, Stuart Gamble, Jackie Lawrence, Eric Lawrence, James Stuart, and James McKeithen, Jr.
In lieu of flowers any planned memorials may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospitals or any charity of ones choice.