Grady Jerald Smith

Grady Jerald Smith, age 79, of Caddo Mills, Texas, passed away surrounded by loved ones after a life defined by devotion, leadership, and joy. Born on April 27, 1947, in Royse City to Herman Samuel Smith and Lois Ina (Hurst) Smith, Grady lived a life as big and bold as his personality.

A proud graduate of Royse City High School (Class of 1966), Grady went on to earn his BBA from East Texas State University (now East Texas A&M University) in December 1970. That same year, he married the love of his life, Peggy, on May 30th—a partnership that would span more than five decades and serve as the foundation of a loving family.

Grady is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Lois Smith; his brothers, Carl Wayne and Floyd Ray Smith; and his nephew, Tim Smith. He is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy; sons Chris and Lance; favorite daughter-in-law Elizabeth; and three cherished grandchildren, Hunter, Kylie, and Colten Smith.

Grady was the life of every room he entered—an outgoing, Type A personality with a heart full of passion for his family and friends. He was a tireless cheerleader for his sons and attended countless games and tournaments in baseball, football, Tae Kwon Do, basketball, tennis, and golf. He coached their baseball teams and shared unforgettable adventures through the Indian Guides program. His love of travel took him to all 50 states and 22 countries across five continents, with favorite memories from cruises through the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean. He often said he wanted to show his boys the world—something he never had the chance to do as a child.

Grady’s career in sales spanned respected companies including Xerox, NCR Corp, Storage Technology, Canon USA, Brother International, and Lucent Technologies. After retiring in 1996, he continued to stay busy as a real estate agent with Payne Real Estate. His work ethic began early—at age 8; he was fixing flats and pumping gas at his father’s service station for 25 cents an hour. He saved every penny from that first job to open his first bank account that same year.

His commitment to community and leadership began during his high school years, where he served on numerous committees and participated in many sports and activities including football, golf, track, basketball, band, rodeo and FFA. He held the roles of President of the Royse City Quarterback Club, President of Royse City FFA and Lone Star Farmer of the Year. In the early 1970s, Grady lent his voice to Royse City High School football games as an announcer, becoming a familiar and spirited presence at local events. Together with his close friend Butch Ford, Grady organized popular Sock Hops, Royse City Teen Club, and school fundraisers that brought students and families together. Their most notable achievement was launching Royse City’s first-ever “Battle of the Bands,” hosted at the Glenn Dodson Grainery—a milestone that sparked a wave of youth culture and musical celebration in the town.

Grady’s leadership extended across countless organizations. He was deeply involved in Masonic service for 50+ years at Royse City Lodge No. 663, Fate Lodge No. 802 and Claude L. Austin Lodge No. 1450. He held honorable roles such as Worshipful Master, Treasurer, Fundraising Chairman, District Deputy Grand Master, and was the recipient of the Golden Trowel Award and the Class C Certificate. He was also 32nd Degree KCCH Scottish Rite, York Rite, and member of the Hella Shrine, where he held numerous leadership positions and earned prestigious honors including the Shriners International Gold Membership Award, Texas Shrine Shotgun Sports Association President, Texas Shrine Patrol Association President, and Hella Shrine Marching Patrol Hall of Fame induction.

Grady also served the Independent Order of Odd Fellows with distinction, including terms as Texas Grand Master, Past Grand Patriarch, and Commander of the Departmental Council. His civic contributions were vast—serving on boards for the Good Samaritans of Garland, Garland Sports Hall of Fame, YMCA Youth Indian Guides, Garland Little League, and many more. He was a certified auctioneer who lent his voice to countless charitable events.

Faith was central to Grady’s life. He was a member of Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall and previously attended First Baptist Church of Garland and Orchard Hills Baptist Church.

Grady Jerald Smith leaves behind a legacy of laughter, leadership, and love. He will be remembered not only for his boundless energy and generosity, but for the way he made everyone feel like family. His impact will ripple through generations, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the joy of knowing him.