Vance Grady

R. Vance Grady-Hollywood Entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 28, 2011, Robert Vance Grady, husband of Gemma Geilfuss Grady. Vance was born in Rocky Mount, NC on February 20, 1948, a son of Michael E. and Mildred Casteen Grady. He graduated from Rocky Mount High School and East Carolina University. Vance was a business consultant for the USC Small Business Development Center. 'Being there' is something Vance Grady did as a reflex. He was 'there' selflessly for his decades of adulthood to assist and support others. It was Vance's way. The knowing smile and the pleasantry came as part of the package. He found a way to sew friendships together between strangers by casual introductions and remarkable insights. Those around him found him at once eloquent and amusing, eliciting the commonalties of a task to its taskmasters. His wholehearted approach would compel others to join him, support him and most of all, to enjoy the flash of happiness that always accompanied him. Vance had a unique attitude that baffled, yet inspired, others in the face of his recent health challenges. He was temporarily forestalled, but never vanquished. His demeanor belied the medical reports. He would much rather talk about the person next to him than about himself. But it was Vance that made the person next to him appreciate the moment. He loved to be a part of a group effort and especially to 'be there' for a friend in need. Yet he never considered as being himself a man of need. Even in his career, Vance engaged his customers in a most personable manner. He advised small businesses and engaged this vocation by assisting well beyond the expectations of a client. They instinctively knew that he cared. The entire community has felt the scope of Vance's dedication. He served in many capacities with the Sertoma Club, including club president and Sertoma Classic Chairman, edifying their message of 'service to mankind.' His melodious voice also graced the choir of Bethel United Methodist Church for many years, where his devotion to his faith was most evident. Vance became a very active member of the Hibernian Society of Charleston, where the enumeration of caring friends across the fabric of Charleston reached into the hundreds. There, he served the Managing Committee by codifying two hundred years of data into a program he invented to digitally preserve its history and current membership. He also edited their newsletter, The Harp, in addition to organizing their annual Ping Pong tournament. There were other memorable contributions that everyone in the Hibernian Society enjoyed by way of his gracious toil. A gentlemen's gentleman, Vance always found the time to assist within the scope of his vocation and avocation. The love he showed forth to his wife of 27 years, Gemma, was exemplary. They were devoted and inseparable. He adored his two daughters, Lindsay E. Grady and Jessica L. Grady. He is also survived by a brother, Michael E. Grady Jr. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. R. Vance Grady are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Bethel United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on Friday evening between 6:00 and 8:00 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Memorial contributions may be made to either Bethel United Methodist Church, 57 Pitt St. Charleston, SC 29401 or to Hospice of Charleston Foundation 676 Wando Park Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. His Guestbook may be signed at www.jamesamcalister.com