Wiley Edward Grady

Born October 1st , 1938 Wiley Grady was born in Quincy FL to Henry and Eva Sue Grady as the youngest of four children. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation from high school. After serving 4 years of active duty he attended the University of Maryland and later Florida State University. He came to Thomasville in 1961 as an Insurance Claims Adjuster. On October 14 th , 1972 he married Margaret Cox. Shortly thereafter he became involved with the local YMCA as a volunteer coach and official. He later assisted the YMCA in running those programs. In 1977, he became employed full time by the YMCA. He was given the responsibility of broadening the YMCA’s youth and adult sports programs as well as developing health and fitness programs. During his 40 years of service, he created new programs and improved others. He started the YMCA childcare program, expanded youth sports programs from 500 to over 3,000 participants, and along with two volunteers, Mike Caulley and Tommy Vann, started the first soccer programs in Thomas County. In 1999 he was named the CEO of the Thomasville YMCA. During his tenure the membership nearly doubled to 8,000 members. It was his passion that everyone have the opportunity to experience the YMCA regardless of circumstances. He spearheaded campaigns to construct the Butler-Mason YMCA, re-model the Everett-Milton YMCA and make capital improvements at the Weston YMCA. In 1999, the City of Thomasville contracted with the YMCA to provide recreation programs for our City and County. In 2000 he was inducted into the Thomas County Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of over 35 years as a high school official in football, baseball and basketball as well as for his contribution to youth sports in Thomas County. Wiley served on the Board of Directors for the Rose City Credit Union, Board for the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, and the Executive Committee of the Georgia Alliance of YMCAs. Wiley was an active member of First Baptist Church where he served as the Sunday School Director and was a member of the choir. He also previously served as a Sunday School teacher and member of multiple Pastor Search Committees. He also served on a mission trip to the Ukraine. After retiring from the YMCA, he felt a strong desire to continue serving his community. In 2013 he was elected as a Thomas County Commissioner where he served as Chairman for two separate terms. He continued to faithfully serve as commissioner until the time of his passing. Wiley was an avid sports fan especially of the Atlanta Braves and Florida State Seminoles. He enjoyed playing golf in which he did well into his 80s. He was always well equipped with a joke or witty comment and was dressed to the nines while doing it all. But more than any of that, he loved to serve others. Wiley is survived by his five children, Lorrie Turnbull (Scott), Jeff Grady (Valorie), Brian Grady, Kelly Thrift (Michael), and Bo Grady (Kathy). He was the proud Papa to his eight grandchildren; Kelsie Jourgensen (Michael), Julianne Grady, Campbell Grady (Lois), Briley Stewart (Grant), Lauren Chastain (Austin), Julia Thrift, Grady Thrift, and Annabelle Grady. He also had one great granddaughter, Scottie May Jourgensen. Wiley was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Taylor Grady. Visitation will be held at Allen and Allen Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, May 11 from5 to 7 pm. The funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church Sanctuary on Tuesday, May 12 at 2 pm with graveside to follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.