Grady Donaldson

Grady Donaldson was born August 19, 1922 in Adamsville, TN the son of the late Aubrey and Hattie English Donaldson.

He was united in marriage to Minnie Faye Martin on March 21, 1946. Mrs. Donaldson preceded him in death on December 5, 2005, following 59 years of marriage.

Mr. Grady grew up in the Mud Creek community north of Adamsville, graduating from Adamsville High School. He entered into active military duty on December 28, 1942, serving in Company C of the 44th Engineer Combat Battalion, United States Army. Mr. Grady participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Ardennes Campaigns, and became a prisoner of war during the Battle of the Bulge. Among other awards Mr. Grady received the Europe-Africa-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Medal with 4 bonze service stars and the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged October 8, 1945. Upon returning to McNairy County Mr. Grady took night classes in Corinth with other veterans on the G.I. Bill to further his education. He worked for Garan Manufacturing and the companies that preceded it, retiring as a shipping supervisor after 40 years of service. His punch card was number 1 out of several hundred employees, indicating his long tenure with the company. Mr. Grady was active in the Adamsville Post of the American Legion, having served as a former post commander. He was a Little League coach and umpire and an avid Kentucky Wildcats basketball fan, having had the opportunity to meet their famous coach Adolph Rupp. Mr. Grady was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Adamsville, where he taught Bible classes and served in the Baptist Men's Brotherhood, performing service projects for those in need. Growing up through the Great Depression taught Mr. Grady the importance of being self-sufficient, a practice he maintained throughout his life in the form of gardening and canning vegetables. He enjoyed working in his yard, but his favorite activity was spending time with his beloved family. In later life, Mr. Grady was honored by veteran's organizations and was considered a National Treasure due to his military service as a member of what has become known as the Greatest Generation of Americans.

Mr. Grady departed this life on September 20, 2017 at his home in Adamsville, Tennessee at the age of 95 Years, 1 Month, 1 Day. He is survived by two sons, George Donaldson and wife Kay of Selmer, TN and Ted Donaldson and wife Jan of Memphis, TN; a daughter, Lisa Bearden of Crump, TN; eight grandchildren: Lori (Donaldson) Knerr and husband Barry, Stephanie (Donaldson) McCullough and husband Bobby, Stacy Donaldson, Jessica (Bearden) Paxton and husband Rodger, Sarah Donaldson, Rachel Bearden, Rebecca Bearden, Rachel Donaldson; five great-grandchildren: Sam Summers, Bailey Knerr, Lily McCullough, Reagan Paxton, Grayson Paxton; and a host of extended family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Grady was preceded in death by a son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Kathy Donaldson; three brothers: Frank Donaldson, Roy Donaldson, Alvin Donaldson; and two sisters, Jewel (Donaldson) Wilson and Sallie (Donaldson) Amerson.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Grady may be made to the Adamsville First Baptist Church Building Fund or a charity of the donor's choice.