In Loving
Memory

Obituary message

LEA, Grady Wood, died peacefully at home on November 30, 2016. Grady was married to Mary Belle Gorrell Lea for over 66 years and was predeceased by her this past July. He was born in Grady County, Okla. on April 12, 1929 to John C. and Hyacinth W. Lea. Predeceased by his parents and son, Michael G. Lea and his wife, Deborah Raymond Lea. Grady is survived by his daughter, Karen Lea Conrad (Garey); son, Mark Lea (Carol Anne); sisters, Dixie Wood (Buster Wood deceased) and Melva Martinez (Lee Martinez). Grady also leaves behind five grandchildren, Jon Larsen (Jean), Marissa Villalpando (Frank), Christopher Lea, Geoffrey Lea, Caroline Lea; six great-grandchildren, Grady, Drew, Nate, Emelia, Daniel and Joey; and many beloved nieces, nephews and their children. An Army veteran, Grady worked for the Virginia District Office of the Internal Revenue Service, serving all over the state and moving his family over a dozen times. In 1961, he settled the family in Richmond, rising to serve as Chief of Tax Payer Service and Chief of Collections, before his retirement after almost 35 years of service. In addition to his career as civil servant, he will be remembered as a great neighbor, his green thumb and passion for gardening enabling him to share countless plants, seedlings, and garden produce (especially tomatoes) with neighbors and family. Additionally, his “self-taught” skill and knowledge in small engine repair, auto mechanics, plumbing, electrical and carpentry work were shared indiscriminately with anyone in need. The family cannot express sufficient thanks and gratitude for the compassionate and loving care provided by caregivers Marieta Macasaet, Leita Salen and Barbara Osei-Mireku, during his illness and during Mary’s extended illness. Barbara’s son, Mensah, honorary grandson, brought joy, laughter and youthful energy, which enriched all the family. A memorial service for Grady will be held at 4 p.m. at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy., Thursday, December 29, 2016.