J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

McGrady, Joel L.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Colonel (retired) Joel Lynton McGrady, 55, of Providence Forge, died Tuesday February 7, 2006, at his residence. He was a native of Strasburg, Virginia and the son of the late Lloyd Eli & Guida McCraw McGrady. After graduating from the Virginia Military Institute in 1972, he joined the United States Army. He served on active duty for 26 years. He was a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. COL McGrady earned his Masters Degree in Management from Webster University in 1987. After retiring from military service in 1998, he joined Logistics Management Resources, Inc. as the Chief Operating Officer. COL McGrady was a member of the Providence Forge Presbyterian Church. Surviving are his wife Lydia McCarthy McGrady, two daughters, Maggie McGrady Brown and husband, CPT Tandy of Fort Lee and Sarah McGrady Schmidt and husband John of Fredericksburg, a son CPT John Walter McGrady of Fort Lee, two grandchildren, Leland Joel and Anna Gwendolyn Brown, and a brother Lloyd Walter McGrady of Florida. Funeral services will be held Friday February 10, 2006, at 11:00 AM in Providence Forge Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery on March 6, 2006 at 3:00 PM with full military honors. The family will receive friends tonight from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Chesterfield Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. The family ask that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in the name of Joel McGrady, Class of 1972 to the VMI Foundation, PO Box 932, Lexington, Virginia 24450. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

I knew Joe (Joel) from childhood. I was lucky to know his parents as well, Lloyd and Guida. What a wonderful family.

I send my most heartfelt sympathy to you, Lydia, and your children. I'll burn a candle for him on March 6 @3:00 pm.

Sandy Miller Kazmierczak

Posted by: Sandy at February 26, 2006 05:33 PM

To Lydia and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.I also grew up next door to Joel and I have lots of memories of the sleigh rides and one thing that I will always remember when I think about Joel is they way he all whistled all the up the driveway when he got off the school bus.Take Care and god bless you and your family.

Posted by: Bonnie Ritenour-Williams at February 15, 2006 07:21 PM

Dearest Lydia and Family
I was so sorry to hear of Joel's passing. I just recently lost my husband and know the sorrow that comes with that but I truly believe that one day we will be reunited. I grew up beside the boys but they were older. There are pictures of me in my snowsuit and the boys with the sled I often wonder did they really want to take me sledding? I know that Joel had wonderful parents and I am sure he made them proud. Our memories will always keep them with us.
Mary Haun and Family

Posted by: Mary Ritenour Haun at February 14, 2006 11:09 PM

Joel's family,
Maybe uncle Lloyd can explain who I am sometime. I grew up with your father and uncle around Strasburg and Waterlick. I remember as kids playing with Joel and Lloyd and what a fun person, Joel was to be around. Lloyd and I probably picked on him beyond belief, because we were older and that is the way we were at times. It has been many years (decades actually) since I have seen Joel, but I know he will be missed. As a young person, Joel had one of the biggest smiles I can remember and nothing ever seemed to get him down. Just one of the good guys, I remember as a teenager growing up. Take care and may God bless his family.

Posted by: Jeffrey A. Rinker at February 13, 2006 01:07 PM

McGrady clan -- We may lose our loves, but thank goodness we get to keep the memories. Joel obviously touched a great many lives in 55 years, so there will be thousands of memories to keep and share. Write them down, so that the next generation, and the next and the next, will know just how remarkable and strong and kind and funny Joel really was..and still is..in our hearts, where we will hold on to him forever.
Carol & Larry Moore, Alabama

Posted by: Carol Moore at February 12, 2006 03:52 PM

Lydia, Maggie, John, and Sarah,
Bonnie and I are deeply saddned by Joel's death. We are comforted to know that he is now in the hands of our savior Jesus Christ and is no longer in pain or suffering. It was a true privilege to know and work with Joel through the years as he was a man of high moral character, integrity, and love for others. He was also a dedicated soldier and patriot who served his country honorably and with high distinction. We cherish our times together at VMI, in Europe, and at Fort Leavenworth and will remember Joel with great fondness and admiration. May God's blessings be upon you and your family.
Tom and Bonnie Clark, Colorado Springs, CO

Posted by: Tom & Bonnie Clark at February 10, 2006 10:35 PM

COL McGrady was my Battalion Commander while assigned to the 29th Transportation Battalion during Desert Storm. A great man and leader he was. I enjoyed being around him. I am very sorry for your loss and offer my condolences to his family. May God Bless.

Posted by: MSG (retired) Robert L. Moore at February 10, 2006 09:35 PM

We read of Joel's passing in our local newspaper. Joel was a classmate of mine through elementary school and high school. My husband taught him in high school. I always liked Joel and had much respect for him. He always treated everyone fairly and kind. I knew that he would meet with much success in his life. I know he will be missed. Our sympathy and blessings to his family and friends. Mike&Brenda Hamilton Goodwin

Posted by: Brenda & Mike Goodwin at February 10, 2006 09:43 AM

Lydia & Family,

May your special memories always live in your heart to help you find comfort and peace. We're so sorry for your loss.

Love and Prayers,
Giles & Gail Darr

Posted by: Giles & Gail (Robinson) Darr at February 9, 2006 10:31 PM

Through Bob Stransky, I came to know Joel over the past several years. I offer my profound personal sorrow at his passing and condolences to his family.

Posted by: Mike Grow at February 9, 2006 04:13 PM

Lydia and family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. May time heal your aching hearts and be replaced with the joy in knowing that Joel is with his maker. I feel deeply that one day we will all be together again in the house of the Lord.

Bert and Lois Bryant

Posted by: Bert and Lois Bryant at February 9, 2006 02:58 PM