He was born January 15, 1946, in Tipton, Oklahoma, the fourth son of the late Grady Arlton and Maude Lounell “Nellie” (McDonald) Ross. He married, the love of his life, Wilda (Franklin) Ross on January 16, 1973, in Madera County. Wilda had four children, Melinda, Wilma, Julia, and Johnny, prior to marrying Grady and they had two sons, Grady and Billy. This made up the “Grady Bunch”, three girls and three boys.
He grew up in Chowchilla (Red Top) attending local schools and graduated from Chowchilla Union High School in 1963. He was #35 on the football team as Defensive End and they were undefeated and took Championship his senior year. He also played catcher on the baseball team. He was drafted into the Army and served from 1965-1967 during the Vietnam War. After getting out of the military, he became an Ag diesel mechanic working in Madera for Tucker International and Kuckenbecker Tractor before retiring in 2011 at age 65.
Grady was a smart tall redhead man that loved the Lord and enjoyed to study his word. He loved to ride his motorcycle; coached his kid’s sports - soccer and baseball; and played golf, cards, and board games.
He battled cancer for nine years. He was known as a fighter and a man that would not give up!
Grady is survived by his children, Melinda (Clardy) Leathers of Merced; Wilma (Clardy) Hanson of Elk Grove; Julia (Clardy) Ford of Hilmar; Johnny Clardy of Pueblo West, CO; Grady Ross and Billy Ross of Chowchilla; 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchild, two son-in-law Grover Leathers and Jim Hanson, one daughter-in-law Casey Clardy.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Wilda Ross; parents, Grady and Maude Lounell Ross; and three brothers, Arlton Donald Ross, Calvin Benjamin “Mickey” Ross, and Robert Lee “Bobby” Ross.
Graveside service will be on January 20, 2023, at the Chowchilla Cemetery at 2 pm. After service, family and friends will meet at the Chowchilla VFW Hall. Please contact Melinda, at 209-769-6987, if you would like to bring a dish.
In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the VA Hospital, c/o Corky Draconi, 2615 E Clinton Ave, Fresno, CA 93703.
Please visit www.wordenchapel.com to leave the family any condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger.
