Born in Pamplico, Grady attended public schools in Pinewood and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1949 with an LL.B. degree. He was admitted to the Bar of South Carolina in 1949 and began his legal career in 1950 as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Labor in Birmingham. He moved to Anderson in 1956 where he lived and practiced with the firm of Watkins and Vandiver until his death. The firm became known as Watkins, Vandiver & Kirven and continues today as one of the premier law firms of South Carolina under the name of Watkins, Vandiver, Kirven, Gable & Gray.
Grady was a trial lawyer of the highest caliber. His integrity and strength of character were the hallmarks of his career and of his relationship with associates, adversaries and the court.
Although he maintained the busy schedule of an active trial lawyer, he found time to serve his community by devoting his time to the Anderson YMCA, PTA, Civitan Club and Community Concert Association. He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
Grady was a devoted family man, treasuring the time he spent with his wife, Nell, and their three sons, Grady, Jr., Steve and Kenneth.
Grady was a quiet, courteous and conscientious gentleman who pursued his career and conducted his life with unwavering integrity and dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession.