Grady C. Hill

Grady C. Hill was born in Monroe, Louisiana, on December 15, 1923. He peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Grady was the third of four children born to the late Tina Goins and Marcus Hill. His siblings, Marcus, Mecie and Hura, all predeceased him in death. Grady was educated in the Monroe Public School System. He was raised on the family's farm where he first developed a strong work ethic and where he also first took on their responsibility of providing for his family. Like so many African-Americans at the time. Grady made the great migration from the segregated South to ' up North' ' looking for greater opportunities. He arrived in Baltimore and began working. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Ethel B. Johnson { affectionately known as 'Sis”}. They were united in marriage on April 10, 1941. In 1943, Grady enlisted in the United States Army and joined the 567th Battalion. His unit served during World War II and he was deployed in the Philippines and Europe. Grady served his country with pride and was honorably discharged on February 12, 1946. After his return to Baltimore, Grady and Sis became inseparable as they continued their lifelong journey of raising their children-George, Howard, Melvin{deceased}, Sadie, Joyce, Gregory and Anthony. Their marriage was the anchor that kept the family together and their home was ' home base' for all who knew them. Grady took an active interest in the lives of his children. He taught them how to drive, fish, cook and encouraged their pride in themselves. He was an avid reader and spent time reading the Bible with his family. He loved African- American history and was known for his extensive Ebony and Jet magazine collections. Grady often rehearsed their school play lines with them. He enjoyed playing Walter Lee, Sidney Poitier's roles, in “A Raisin in the Sun”. Grady and Ethel were devoted Catholics and active members of St. Francis Xavier for over 50 years. He served on a number of church committees over the years. Grady enjoyed packaging and delivering Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas toys to those in need, always offering an encouraging word to those he helped. He could always be spotted attending the Swinging Sixties Bull Roast, at fundraisers, on the Easter Monday bus trips to Atlantic city and other church-sponsored events. Grady had and exemplary work ethic. He taught his children to always 'respect your job.' In earlier years, Grady was employed by the American Sugar Refinery {Domino Sugar}. When he worked the 'graveyard shift' and his wife worked the daylight shift, he would rush home to prepare hot breakfasts for them and help them get off to school. Even in tough economic times, Grady would work multiple jobs to provide for his family. He was employed at Bethlehem Steel in the Pipe Mill and the 68-Inch Hot Strip Mill as a forklift operator. Grady was well admired and respected by his co-workers. After 35 years of service, Grady retired form Bethlehem Steel in 1987. After his retirement, he and Sis enjoyed traveling, entertaining, spending time in their yard that he meticulously maintained and enjoying his role as “Grand Pop.” He was a proud grandfather who attended school programs, sporting events, birthdays and graduations of his grandchildren. Grady loved to drive them to their events. He was an Orioles and Ravens fan {through winning and losing seasons}, enjoyed classic movies and often listened to good music. Grady was a modest and humble gentleman who possessed a robust, tenor voice. He was regarded as a well dressed man and father figure to many. Family togetherness played an important role in Grady's life. He was proudly escorted to Sunday mass by his sons and then to his daughter's house where he enjoyed delicious, home cooked Sunday dinner. He partnered with his sons played “Rise and Shine,” holding the winning card in Bid Whist, Pinochle and Spades No holiday or family gathering was complete without Pop. Grady leaves to cherish his memory; his children, George{Dorothy}, Howard{Pamela}, Sadie{George Miles}, Joyce {Carl Turnipseed}, Gregory{Kevin}, and Anthony Hill; sisters-in law ruby Hill{Atlanta, GA} and Marguerite James, 54 grandchildren, 27 great- grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and devoted church members. Grady's life cannot be measured in years or accomplishments but in the many lives that he touched, the abundant love that he shared with his family and friends and the joy he brought to all who knew him.

Tributes

Grady C. Hill

December 15, 1923 - March 2, 2011