Grady Edwin Carter, 82, passed away peacefully at 10:41 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at his home in Wood River, surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born on August 4, 1942, in Toccoa, Georgia, the son of the late Lyman and Mary (Briscoe) Carter. From a young age, Grady exhibited a sense of duty and honor that would come to define much of his life. That sense of service led him to enlist in the United States Army, where he served his country with pride and distinction. Throughout his military career, Grady rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as a Sergeant First Class. His time in the Army earned him numerous decorations for leadership, dedication, and valor. He carried with him a deep love of country and an unwavering commitment to those who served alongside him.
Following his retirement from the military, Grady continued his legacy of hard work and precision with positions at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri, and later as a Calibrator with PCL. He brought the same discipline and dedication to these roles that he had shown throughout his military career.
On August 23, 1965, Grady married the love of his life, Sharon Towell, in Jerseyville. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service. Their union was blessed with two daughters and an adoptive son and later, the joy of watching their family grow to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Grady and Sharon were active members of the First Baptist Church in Grafton, where they poured their hearts into ministry and service. Grady volunteered faithfully—whether it was helping with Vacation Bible School, repairing things around the church, or simply showing up where he was needed. His faith was not just something he professed—it was something he lived out in every interaction, with humility and grace.
He was the kind of man who was always a “yes man” to his wife, and to those she welcomed into their home. Grady had a generous spirit, a quiet strength, and hands that could fix nearly anything. Whether it was mending something broken or lending a helping hand, Grady showed love through action.
Surviving are his two daughters and sons-in-law, Leah and Tim O'Grady of Wood River and Barbara and Mark White of Grafton; their adopted son, Joshua Carter of Farmington, Missouri; three grandchildren, Todd (Rachel) O'Grady of Godfrey, Jonathan O'Grady of Bethalto, and Douglas White of Grafton; and four great-grandchildren, Toryn, Carson, Cayde, and Kyleigh O'Grady, all of Godfrey. He is also survived by two sisters, Esther Haslup and Patricia Carter, both of Florida; and a brother, Stewart Carter of Denver, Colorado.
In addition to his parents, Grady was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon, on December 10, 2013; as well as a brother, Belton “Fred” Carter.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until time of funeral services at 6 p.m., Monday, March 31, 2025, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Private burial will take place at the Noble Cemetery in Otterville.
In honor of his deep devotion to his church, memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Grafton Sound System Fund.
Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville has been entrusted with arrangements.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
