Grady K. Lancaster, 93, of Trussville, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25, 2022, in his home surrounded by his children. He was born on August 11, 1929, in DeNoya, Oklahoma, the son of the late Grady and Frances (Nickell) Lancaster.
In addition to his parents, Grady was preceded in death by his devoted wife Shizuko, his son-in-law Jim Duran, granddaughter Jaime Duran Laird, and sisters Virginia Lancaster, Marilyn Robbins, and Dot Vernon.
As a loving dad, Paw Paw, brother, and friend, he is survived by his four children: George (Sandy) Lancaster, Lois Duran, Alan (Debbie) Lancaster, Ann (Scott) Walls, and his grandchildren: Kelly (Jason) Turner, Blake (Jessica) Lancaster, Pete (Jillian) Morrison, Ryan (Kara) Lancaster, Kyle (Shannon) Lancaster, Laurie (Adam) Hodges, Hunter (Brandy) Walls, Jase (Jess) Walls, Seth Lancaster, Alex (Katherine) Walls, and Anna Lancaster. He is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren, with one great-grandchild and one great great-grandchild on the way. He also leaves behind sisters Carol Massey and Jo Stanley, brothers Ken and Bob Lancaster, a host of nieces and nephews, along with a multitude of friends both near and far.
Grady graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School in 1946 at the age of 16 and enlisted in the US Army in September of that same year. He moved quickly up the ranks, retiring at the highest level of an enlisted soldier as a Command Sergeant Major in 1968. He served in the U.S., Korea, Germany, and Japan and is recognized as a WWII veteran. After 22 years in the military, he took a position with the Social Security Administration, where he worked until 1989.
He lived a life of service to his country and his city of Trussville. His sense of community was fostered at a young age while helping his father plant some of the iconic Trussville oak trees and culminated in his tenure as a City Councilman from 1980-1988. He was a faithful member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church and earlier in life at Trussville First United Methodist. He was also well known for his many acts of kindness for his neighbors, which included cutting grass, offering rides, and sharing the fruits of his garden, for which he was so proud.
Thank you for being an example of a true and faithful servant. You will forever remain in our hearts, and we will love you always! “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25
The visitation will be on Tuesday, August 30, beginning at 8:30 a.m. for the family. Friends are invited from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for visitation in the chapel with a service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Field of Honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Trussville, AL.