Grady Brown Reel Sr.

Grady B. Reel Sr. age 91, at his home in Graysville Tennessee on Thursday night, October 12, 2023 looked up, reached his open arms wide toward Heaven, and was received into Jesus's arms, who he accepted in his heart as his loving savior 38 years ago.

Grady was a longtime member of Graysville 1st Baptist, a strong and faithful Christian who loved God, read his Bible without fail and enjoyed telling others about Jesus Christ.

Grady is preceded by his loving wife, Betty Knox Reel, daughter, Diane Reel Hall, granddaughter, April Johnene Hodge and great grand daughter Ella Mae Simons. He was born on May 25, 1932 to Martin and Lizzie Nichols Reel who have preceded him in death along with his 8 siblings: Gem Bolton, Shisti Johnson, Snooks Edmonson, Polly Mathis, Barbara, T. I., Cat, and Buck Reel.

He is survived by five of his 6 children, Donna (Johnny) Hodge, Deb Pelfrey, Darlene (Rob) Hickman, Denesa Reel, and Grady Reel Jr. (Ginger). He is also survived by grandchildren,

Gayla ( Waymon) Cox, Chad (Shauna) Hodge, Travis Pelfrey, Clint Hickman, Darla (AmandaHickman), Jamie (Jay) McMillon, Josh Hall, Dewayne (Heather) Reel, Brandon Reel, Chelsea (Erik) Simons. Surviving great grandchildren are Daylie (Brad) Warfield, Shaylie Needham, Emma Hodge,  TJ and Trent Pelfrey, Lynsey, Lainey, Jaxson Jacob, and Jacie Hall, Brayden, Bella, Cameron, Coltyn, and Carlee Reel. With the birth of Miles Warfield on July 27 2021, he was blessed with one of his life wishes to live to see five generations of his family and doubly blessed with the birth of Beckett Warfield this year.

One of his very first jobs was working on the Mcdonald's Farm in Coulterville Tn. As a young teen he had an extreme curiosity and became very knowledgeable on knitting machinery. He became a knitting machine repairman and technician. He could disassemble very intricate machines, find the problem, make the repairs, reassemble and have it working like new. He serviced machines in Rhea, Hamilton and Warren Counties for many years, His interests eventually shifted to Astec Industries asphalt company. His favorite job at Astec was the longhaul deliveries. This gave him the opportunity to drive to many states. He always enjoyed the times that Mother was able to take the trips with him. He was hired there in the 70s and retired at age 64. He was blessed to enjoy 27 years of retirement.

Our daddy was very unique and a friend to all. He could bring out smiles on a bad day. He loved watching squirrels, hummingbirds, and feeding his pet groundhog. He has always loved dogs. We loved listening to his stories about his 2 childhood special ones, Hard Labor and Stumpy and all their amazing ventures he had with them.

As a young man back in the 40’s and 50’s, he loved rabbit hunting. The rabbits he brought home he always gave to hungry families. He would do anything for anyone. He loved fixing bicycles and giving to needy kids. For many years at Christmas time he enjoyed putting on the big red suit and having countless children sit on his knee and listen to their wishes. He made many appearances at GES and the Graysville Library as well as door to door visits to the elderly.

Our hearts are broken without you Daddy, but we will be with you soon..

A funeral service to honor the life of our Daddy will be on Monday October 16, 2023 in the chapel of Coulter Garrison Funeral Home with Rev. Emory Layne officiating.  The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 3-8 pm at Coulter Garrison Funeral Home.  Interment will be at Pleasantview Cemetery.

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