Grady Thomas White, Jr.

Grady Thomas White, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend, passed away on September 13, 2026, after a life devoted to his family, his country, and his community.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Grady’s life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, September 17, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, located at 123 Heath Street, Enterprise, Alabama. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memory Gardens, US Hwy 231, Ozark, AL with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time.

Grady was born in Cullman, Alabama, on October 31, 1931. At the age of 15, he enlisted in the United States Army on July 3, 1947, beginning what would become a distinguished 21-year military career.

On October 4, 1952, Grady married the love of his life, Juanita “Nita” White. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, service, and adventure. For more than 10 years, Grady and Nita enjoyed traveling across the country in their RV, making memories and experiencing the beauty of the places they visited together.

In 1959, Grady became a Warrant Officer and subsequently attended flight school, beginning his career as an Army Aviator. He proudly served his country as a veteran of both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired from the Army in 1968 as a Chief Warrant Officer W-3, Army Aviator.

Following his military retirement, Grady continued his love of aviation and service to others. He became a flight instructor at Fort Rucker, where he spent another 22 years teaching and mentoring generations of Army aviators. His knowledge, patience, and dedication left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to learn from him.

Grady was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and served two terms as Grand Knight of the Daleville, Alabama, chapter. He was also a volunteer driver for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), giving his time to help fellow veterans.

His commitment to helping others extended throughout the Wiregrass community. For many years, Grady was heavily involved with the leadership of the Wiregrass Emergency Pregnancy Service, a life-affirming pregnancy service. He believed deeply in helping people in need and quietly gave his time, wisdom, and support whenever he could.

Away from his many years of service, Grady enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including being a chicken farmer. Whether he was serving his country, teaching future aviators, helping a neighbor, tending his farm, traveling with Nita, or simply being there for his family, Grady could always be counted on. If someone needed help, Grady was the person they knew they could call. His life was a testament to duty, faithfulness, generosity, and love.

Grady was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita “Nita” White; his son, Jeffery; his parents; his sister; his son-in-law, John Hancock; and his great-grandson, Danny Reynolds.

He leaves behind a loving family who will carry his memory and his legacy forward: his daughters, Rebecca Hancock, Casey (Mike) Lait, Denise (Wes) Andrews, and Alison Hynes; his son, John (Amy) White; and his sister, Helen (Williamete) Williams.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, John “Charles” Hancock, Samuel Hancock, Kimberly Wallace, Douglas Hancock, Suzanne Reynolds, Danielle Scafidi, Richard Jeffery “RJ” Browne, Scott Browne, Krista Hamilton, Katie Foley, Chase Payne, Kros Payne, Will White, Tenley White, Colin Hynes, and Brynna Hynes; along with his 27 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.

Grady’s life spanned nearly 95 years, and throughout those years he touched countless lives through his service, friendship, guidance, and unwavering willingness to help others. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the soldiers he trained, the veterans he served, and the many people who were fortunate enough to know him.