Henry Grady Williford

Henry Grady Williford, Jr., a man of courage and kindness, left this world on September 7, 2024, at the age of 94, in Headland, Alabama. Born on May 10, 1930, in Blanket, Texas, Grady's life was a tapestry of dedication, service, and love, woven with the threads of his dreams and accomplishments.

Grady was a pillar of strength and warmth. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Carylon Williford, his parents, Henry and Gladys Williford, Sr., and his sisters, Mary Jo Colin and Sandra Christian. His legacy continues through his children, Joya Wallace (Bill), John Williford (Christy), and Henry Grady Williford, III (Anna), and his adored grandchildren, Spiro Cheriogotis (Lucy), Maria Cheriogotis, Daniel Meissner, Henry Williford, IV (Heatherly), Cynthia Bean (Jordan), Billy Williford (Jessica), Carson Williford (Sarah), Brandon Williford, and Maggie Williford, his precious sister-in-law, Helon Cutler, along with several treasured great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Grady's educational journey was marked by excellence, culminating in an agricultural engineering degree from Texas A&M University, followed by two master's degrees and a bachelor's. His thirst for knowledge was matched only by his dedication to serving his country. As a young man, he broke horses with a skill that spoke of his connection to the land and the creatures that roam it. He then went on to honorably serve in the United States Army for 22 years, retiring in 1974. His distinguished military career included a tour in Korea, two tours in Vietnam, and a Bronze Star for his exceptional service flying Huey Gunships. Even meeting with headhunter tribes while stationed in Central America. His commitment to mentoring others shone through his work teaching helicopter instruments at Fort Rucker, where he imparted his knowledge and experience to new generations of aviators.

After his retirement from the military, Grady's entrepreneurial spirit took flight. He and his wife owned N.P. Ltd. Florist and Fins and Flippers Tropical Fish Shop in Savannah, Georgia. After moving back to Dothan, AL, he worked at Brown Manufacturing where he traveled the country spearheading and growing their small-trenching and lawn and garden products, until his retirement in 2007.

Grady's zest for life was evident in his love for travel and adventure. In his younger years, he relished the chance to camp and hunt, embracing the beauty of the natural world. His pioneering spirit was showcased by his involvement in creating the first topographical map of Central America, a testament to his innovative mind and his ability to dream big. Grady's life was marked by movement and change, as he relocated often for his military career, trading products with indigenous tribes and exploring new horizons.

A quiet man by nature, Grady's actions spoke volumes of his character. He was the embodiment of courage, loving kindness, and a gentle spirit that touched everyone he met. His life was, as he would humbly put it, a "dream life" granted by God, filled with the richness of experiences and the depth of relationships that many aspire to but few achieve.

Henry Grady Williford, Jr.'s journey through life was one of impactful moments and quiet reflections, of fearless ventures and tender connections. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary man, we take solace in the knowledge that his influence will continue to ripple through the lives of those he touched. His was a life well-lived, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11am in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel with Pastor John Tunnell officiating and military honors to follow. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 4pm until 6pm.