Thomas Myers Grady

Thomas “Tom” Myers Grady, a lifelong pillar of the Concord, North Carolina community, a distinguished attorney, and a devoted family man, passed away peacefully at the age of 84. Born on July 25, 1941, in Concord, Tom spent his entire life cultivating deep roots, lifelong friendships, and a legacy of quiet generosity in the town he always proudly called home. His early foundation in leadership began as a young man when he had the distinct privilege of serving as a page in the United States Senate under the patronage of Senator John L. McClellan of Arkansas—a formative experience that sparked a lifetime of professional excellence and civic service.

Tom’s life was deeply rooted in his faith and his lifelong membership at St. James Lutheran Church. He poured decades of dedication into his church community, serving on the Congregational Council and guiding the church as its chairman during several key terms. He also lent his sharp financial stewardship to various church committees, notably serving as the longtime Chairman of the Cook Trust Fund committee, ensuring the church's mission was supported for generations to come.

Tom was a man of sharp intellect and boundless professional dedication. After graduating from Pfeiffer College in 1963 and earning his Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1966, he returned home to practice law with the firm Williams, Willeford and Boger where he later became a partner. He remained with that firm, and eventually moved to its successor, Hartsell & Williams, P.A., until his retirement in 2020. Tom spent over five decades serving his community with integrity, earning a well-deserved place in the North Carolina Bar Association General Practice Hall of Fame.

His remarkable leadership in the legal field extended far beyond Cabarrus County. Tom achieved the distinction of serving as past president of both the Cabarrus County Bar Association and the District Bar Association, leaving an indelible mark on the legal profession. He uniquely combined his legal mind with his personal passions, carving out a highly specialized niche in Motorsports Law that earned him the trusted counsel and close friendship of many prominent figures from the racing community, including drivers, owners, and crew members.

At just nineteen years old, Tom took the controls of an airplane for the first time, anchoring his soul to the sky and beginning a lifelong flying career that would span more than five decades. An avid pilot, he was a proud member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Quiet Birdmen (QB).

His extraordinary half-century in the air was capped by the highest honors a civilian pilot can achieve. Tom received a distinguished honor from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration for 50 years of dedicated service and aviation safety. He was also awarded the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which recognized his 50 years of exemplary aviation flight experience, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment to safety in the skies.

Tom’s adventurous spirit extended well beyond aviation. He was an avid traveler who delighted in exploring both the vast landscapes of the United States and far-flung destinations across the globe. Yet, of all the places his travels and flights took him, his absolute favorite sanctuary for nearly 32 years was his beloved log cabin on Lake Norman. It was there that he found immense peace, relaxation, and a place to gather with those he held dear.

His servant's heart also extended across a vast network of civic organizations where he lent his leadership as a board member. Among his many contributions, he valued his 27 years of membership as a trustee of The Cannon Foundation as the single biggest honor of his professional career. His extensive board leadership also included:

Pfeiffer University (Trustee for 50 years; Trustee Emeritus)

Cabarrus County Meals on Wheels

The Cabarrus Workshop

The Cabarrus School of Nursing

The Kannapolis Rotary Club & Rotary International

The Boy Scouts of America

Though his professional, civic, and aviation accolades were vast, Tom often noted that nothing held a larger space in his life than his loved ones. He was the devoted husband to the love of his life, the late Carole Hendrix Grady, with whom he shared 56 beautiful years of marriage and built a home filled with warmth and wisdom.

Those who knew Tom will remember him not just for his accomplishments, but for his exceptional wittiness. Blessed with a sharp, quick humor, he was a master storyteller who was always ready with a funny story to share, bringing laughter and a lighter heart to every room he walked into. He possessed the uncanny ability to laugh at himself too and was able to subtly give everyone permission to let their guard down, relax and be comfortable in the moment.

In his most recent years, Tom was blessed with the wonderful companionship of Jean Stanhope. Together, they enjoyed a meaningful connection that brought great joy, laughter, and comfort to his life. He also absolutely loved and relied on his dog, Doogie, who provided him with steady, loyal companionship every single day.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to his caregiver, Charity Owens, for the exceptional, faithful care and devotion she provided to Tom over the past three and a half years, ensuring his comfort and peace at home.

Tom took immense pride in watching his family blossom over the decades. He found great joy in being a grandfather and was profoundly blessed to see his legacy extend even further, watching his family grow to include five cherished great-grandchildren.

"Not many people have been as fortunate as I have been... It has been an honor and privilege." — Tom Grady

Tom is survived by his loving children: twin daughters Anne Grady Eury (Tony) and Nita Grady Jones (Jeff), and his son William “Bill” Grady (Veronica); and his brother, Joe Grady, all of Concord. He was also “Dad” to a special daughter through a foreign exchange program, Nicole Müller (Martin) and their daughter Charlotte of Köln, Germany.

He leaves behind a rich legacy of love in his grandchildren: Margaret Eury Ford (Rev), John Eury (Emily), Myers Jones (Savannah), Helen Jones Fincher (Kyle), Sam Jones, Orietta Grady, and Thomas Grady. He is also survived by his five adored great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Carole Hendrix Grady, and his beloved parents, E.B. “Bill” Grady Jr. and Nita M. Grady.

A celebration of Tom’s remarkable life will be held at St. James Lutheran Church in Concord on June 13, 2026, at 3:00 pm. A reception will follow immediately after at the Cabarrus Country Club in Concord.

A link for the video stream of the celebration will be posted on the church website, www.sjnc.net.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Cannon Foundation, Pfeiffer University, or St. James Lutheran Church, in honor of Tom's lifelong commitment to lifting up others.