How do you say goodbye to a life well-lived? The Hunter family lost its father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend November 8, 2021. Grady Ledford Hunter, 88, made a peaceful transition to his heavenly home from his earthly home which he built. He was born July 1, 1933 in Central, SC, the youngest of 8 children. He is predeceased by his one brother and five of his sisters. He is survived by his children, Linda and Al, their families, and also by his sister, Clara Pinion.

Grady had a varied work life beginning in his father’s barber shop where he had his barber’s license when he was 15. His passion, however, was masonry work. He laid brick for over 40 years most of which was in Dunn, NC. His work remains on homes, churches, fireplaces, walls, and planters throughout the town. After 24 years in Dunn the family moved to Raleigh in 1979 where Grady continued his work as a general contractor. His last and favorite project was his daughter’s Victorian home where he once again designed and laid the brick on the fireplace. He loved to sit for hours and watch the fires burn. As his building career was winding down Grady expanded his interest in woodwork. This developed into a full-time hobby resulting in award winning tables, roll-top desk, gun cabinet, frames, cutting boards, bookshelves, mini-kitchens for children, a barn headboard for his grandson, and numerous other projects. Most of these he did for the love of the work and gave them to lucky recipients! One of his most unusual creations was building his own coffin. He took the project from cutting down the walnut tree to drying the boards, constructing the coffin, and winning a blue ribbon for it at the State Fair. He said he always lived in houses he built and couldn’t stand the thought of spending eternity in someone else’s creation. He also built burial urns and took pride knowing he provided a beautiful space for the ashes of beloved friends and classmates.

While living in Dunn, Grady became a member of Palmyra Lodge #147 where he served in many different roles including Master and coaching new members through their degrees. He was very proud of achieving the rank of 32nd degree Mason. In 2017 he was presented a certificate celebrating 50 years as a Grand Mason.

Grady was the best Daddy ever to his daughter, Linda, and his son, Al. He had a very special relationship with his grandsons, “bus buddy” Brandon, and “Bobcat buddy” Andrew. He “adopted” Linda’s college roommate, Cappi Stanley, and had a special place in his heart for Andrew’s wife, Jennifer. He never met a stranger and cherished each and every friend. He tried very hard to do something nice for someone else every day. He will be missed.

Grady has requested no flowers. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. In true Grady fashion he will be delivering his own pre-taped eulogy at his memorial service Friday, November 12, 2021 at 1:00 at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. The family will gather at 12:30 for a time of greetings and goodbyes which will include some of Grady’s favorite music and photos. A private burial service will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

A Viewing and Funeral Service coordinated with a slide show that Grady produced will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m.