Jake Grady, Jr.

Grady Jr., Jake 3/14/1940 - 6/12/2018 Grand Rapids, MI Grady Jr., Jake of Grand Rapids, MI, age 78, transitioned unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. Jake was born on March 13, 1940 to Jake Grady, Sr. and Hattie Pugh. He would be one of seven children. Jake and his family relocated from Waverly Hall, Georgia to Grand Rapids, MI in 1950. He attended South high school, where he met the future love of his life, Mary Whittington. Jake and Mary married on June 28, 1958 and through this union, six girls were born. Jake had a passion for cooking and began his career in culinary arts, working for some of the finest restaurants in Grand Rapids, MI. He began as a dishwasher but, with every dish that he washed, he spent time dreaming of becoming a chef. In his spare time, Jake enjoyed traveling with his wife, children and most often, extra kids from the neighborhood. He loved to ride his motorcycle, was handy, and found pleasure in learning new skills such as building an engine and installing it in a car. His dream was to retire one day and move from the city to the country. He loved it so much, that he purchased land in Baldwin, MI. When he was not taking his children to various tourist attractions, most family holidays were spent in Baldwin. Jake joined the church of God early on in his relationship with Mary. Mostly because his father-in law was a preacher. As time passed, Jake would gain a spiritual relationship with God and take on various duties in the church. June 28, 2018 would have marked he and Mary's sixtieth wedding anniversary. Jake was a family man and cherished his wife more than life itself. Everything he did was motivated by his love for her. Jake was a man of God, loving son, devoted husband, adoring father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor to inner city, at risk male youth. His passing will take a piece of the hearts belonging to every life he touched. On June 12, 2018, Jake transitioned from this life into his eternal home. He was proceeded in death by his father, Jake Grady Sr., his mother, Hattie Pugh, father-in-law, whom he treasured, Pastor George Whittington, mother-in-law, Lula Whittington, brothers: Junior Willis, W.C. Pugh, Joseph Pugh, and one sister, Mary Ware. Jake leaves to cherish his loving memories: wife of sixty years, Mary Grady, six daughters: Stephanie Wilkins, Sandra "Tonette" Grady-Gay (Brian), Cynthia Grady, Lisa Grady Todd, Dalonna "Tootie" Washington, Patricia Grady and one son, Lucas Robinson (Kimmie), three brothers: Charles (Mary), John, and Eugene (Stephanie) Grady, sister-in-laws: Shirley Marshall, Barbara Hicks, Ivory Hibbitts, Ethel (Damon) Turner and brother-in-law, Dr. Jerimiah (Kaye)Whittington, 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, special relationships: LC, Luster, Ean, Ennis Young and Tia Turnbolt. The Celebration of Life for Jake Grady Jr. will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Faith Temple Church of God, 1701 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. Family hour: 10 AM, service to follow at 11 AM. Arrangements entrusted to: Crystal T. Hardley 4646 Kalamazoo Ave SE Kentwood, MI 49508 (616) 813-8351 Interment: Chapel Hill Memorial Garden, 2894 Patterson Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512.