Mr. Leslie Reed McGrady, age 81, passed away at his home in Woolwine, Virginia, in November 2023. Known as Les to his friends and Brother to his family, Leslie was born in Patrick County on September 24, 1942 to the late Courtney McGrady, Sr. and Lola Mae Bowman McGrady. Leslie was a gifted master craftsman who could build and fix almost anything. He spent his life using those skills to help others. He cared for a large group of older family members and countless friends, often simply giving his services freely. In addition, Les cared diligently for his mother until the day she died. He was a great comfort and a great joy to her. He was a generous person who also contributed throughout his life to local causes. Leslie loved the Blue Ridge Mountains and mountain culture. He could often be found riding the parkway or parked at a scenic overlook listening to old bluegrass. He carried the family love of storytelling and local history and once in his orbit, it was often hard to leave. He met friends everywhere. Yet Les was also a very independent and often private person. His last wish was to die at home, and he did so, surrounded by the mountains he cherished. While he will be missed, we are grateful he is reunited with his beloved and much-missed wife, Gaynell Belcher McGrady.
Les is survived by his niece, Dr. Victoria McGrady; nephew, Courtney Scott McGrady; and several cousins.
All services will be private. A register book will be available at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart for one week beginning Monday, December 11, 2023. Memorial donations may be made to Smith River Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 122, Woolwine, VA 24185. Moody Funeral Home in Stuart has been entrusted with the arrangements and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
The family of Les McGrady would like to express their gratitude to Smith River Rescue Squad for everything they did for Uncle Les.
