Grady J. Cagle

Grady J. Cagle, 72, passed away peacefully at home on February 2, 2005 after a courageous 2 ½ year battle against cancer. He was born in Haleyville, Alabama, to George and Liza Kennedy) Cagle on December 21, 1932. He joined the armed forces in 1950 serving in Washington (where he met Roberta), Missouri, Korea, Texas, 2 tours in Germany, 2 years in Vietnam, and retired after 23 years of service at Fort Lewis. He then worked for and retired from the Tumwater School District. An avid fisherman, Grady also enjoyed music, story telling and was a loyal fan of the Mariners and Seahawks. He was a devoted husband, family man, and an adoring grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Roberta; three daughters: Lori (Kevin) Osgood, Dana (Greg) Lybeck, and Colleen (Craig) Needham; eight grandchildren; two sisters: Amy Files and Bonzie Hyde and many nieces and nephews. In his last years he spent a lot of time enjoying family and friends. Each day was a blessing and he never missed a moment in praising God. He read his bible several times a day and would talk to anyone about the Lord Jesus at every opportunity. He told his wife, daughters and grandchildren how beautiful they were and how much he loved them on a daily basis. He accepted his fate graciously and lived every moment to the fullest. Last spring a ramp was installed. To him it was a freedom ramp. He even joked around about making a sign that said “50 cents to cross the draw bridge.” We had a good laugh over that one. This new found freedom of getting outdoors without help led to an insistence of purchasing a scooter. The next thing we knew he was out and about visiting neighbors and friends. If you were in the neighborhood you couldn’t miss him, the scooter was adorned with two American flags he had attached to the handle bars. He had a blast. All in all his humor remained in tact. His joy of life, his love for God led him to a peaceful state. His positive outlook in all that he endured to live life to the fullest helped each of us accept the outcome of this dreadful cancer. We will miss him terribly but know that he is in a better place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 11, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at Mills & Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater. Reception will follow. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.