Grady Ward Stilley

Grady Ward Stilley, 74, of Merritt, passed away on December 9, 2020. Grady was born September 17, 1946, in the Cayton community in Craven County, to the late Randal Webster and Muriel Gray Caton Stilley.

Grady led a life of service to his country, state and local governments and to his community. A U.S. Army Veteran, he enlisted on January 12, 1965 and served in the early years of the Vietnam War, setting foot on Vietnam soil on his 19th birthday. The Combat Infantryman's Badge, Parachute Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal were among the medals and badges he was awarded. Subsequently, while employed with the NC Forest Service, Grady learned to fly. His unique skills as a pilot and in identifying vegetation from the air were beneficial in his decades of service in law enforcement. His career included employment with several law enforcement agencies in Craven County and he retired from the Craven Co. Sheriff’s Department as a Lieutenant. Grady had the distinction of being the only non-bureau pilot to fly consistently with and for the NC State Bureau of Investigation and was involved in the establishment of the SBI's Marijuana Eradication Program. He became an expert in aerial marijuana spotting and eradication and was recognized numerous times for his outstanding work.

He loved nature, wildlife, being on the water, boating, shrimp trawling, fishing, and treasured time spent with his family. He was never idle and was outside whenever possible, most often on a tractor, maintaining the neighborhood gravel road, cutting the road shoulders or neighbors' yards, often working alongside his neighborhood family. He was regularly seen taking Josie Myrtle for rides in the Mule at the end of the day. If you wanted to know the weather forecast he was your guy. He enjoyed all aspects of gardening, especially with his sisters!

Grady is Past Master of Berne Lodge #724.

He is survived by his faithful Boxer, Josie Myrtle Stilley; his wife of 29 years, Karen Underwood Stilley; son, Randol Patrick Stilley (Candi); daughters, Jenny Stilley (Patrick Golimowski), Allison Stilley, and Sharon Wetherington (Patrick); grandchildren, Carsyn, Carlee, Cate, Amanda and Megan; sisters, Diane Stilley and Helen Lilly; many cherished nieces nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and friends, including Cecil Cherry who was like a son to him. He is predeceased by his sister, Rebecca Laughinghouse, and brothers, Jack Stilley and Randy Stilley.

Due to COVID the family has chosen to have a private service.

In lieu of flowers to give back to those who gave so much to us, please visit charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/gradystilley where donations will go to the Southeast Pamlico County Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad.