Bro. Grady Manning

Bro. Grady Winston Manning peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, August 4, 2024. 

Born in Houston, April 26,1955 to Winston and Barbara Manning, Grady showed an early talent for music and through the years, developed those musical gifts. Throughout his high school years, he played in various bands, ensembles and in dramatic productions earning numerous awards and accolades. He served as Drum Major of the Plano High School class of 1973 band and went on to march in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie band. He was also a member of Plano City Orchestra for several years. Clarinet, baritone and alto saxophone, piano and guitar are among the instruments he enjoyed playing. 

He was also an accomplished vocal performer. Grady was a member of the Christian Contemporary Singers group that performed all across the United States for several years and also a long-time member of REJOICE!, a men’s Gospel Quartet. His voice and musical instrument talents can be heard on record albums of the Christian Contemporary Singers and of the Texas Aggie Band. He went on to direct various church choirs, lead revival services and serve as worship leader in other venues as well. 

His mechanical aptitude was remarkably impressive, and he had a distinguished and decades-long career in the powerplant industry having held licenses in both airframe and powerplant disciplines. 

Grady was also a 5th generation rancher in Leon County. 

But his great love – and the thing that defined his purpose - was sharing the gospel and preaching the truth of the saving grace of Jesus. Grady was a graduate of Baylor University Truitt Theological Seminary’s Ministry Certificate program. He preached the Word not just from the pulpit, but, more importantly, with his life. His joyful, encouraging demeanor and always-happy disposition were a Christ-centered example for all to witness. His genuine love for others inspired people by reflecting the love of the Savior he adored, and it drew them to Jesus. 

Grady is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandy of Centerville, TX.; children, Cody and Valisha Manning of Celina, TX and their children, Lexi and Alli; Amy and Eric Van Cleve of Teague, TX and their children, Cadi and Zac; mother, Barbara Ward Manning of Plano, TX; father Winston Manning of Teague, TX; sister Judi Hammock and her husband Mike of Waxahachie TX, and their children, Chad and Madelyn Hammock and Cory Hammock; and many adored cousins and beloved in-laws.

Other family mourners include Jeremy, Mike and Dianne Faltys; Joshua and Pamela Prince; Justin and Krysten Graham; Donna Morris; and Casey Lowder.

Grady and Sandy worshipped together with their church family at Calvary Baptist Church in Centerville. 

Honorary pallbearers include; Powell Cannon, Dave Coleman, Larry Epling, Truman Farris, Justin Graham, Lane Grayson, Casey Lowder, Joshua Prince, Trampas Rodell, James Stafford and Scott Wiley.

As they prepare for the services, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, mourners might write a note this week sharing a short story, anecdote or word about Grady and what he meant to them. This kind gesture will last a lifetime and would be so appreciated. Those can be sent to RC2 Cattle at PO BOX 100, Centerville, Texas, 75833; or emailed to rc2cattle@gmail.com. 

We will gather together to celebrate the life of Bro. Grady on Saturday, August 17 at 10 a.m. at the Cowboy Church of Leon County in Centerville, Texas; 1419 TX-7, 75833. Visitation will follow immediately after the service.