Claude Herman Brady

SALISBURY - Claude Herman Brady, age 91, went home to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, Feb. 07, 2009.

Mr. Brady was born Sept. 9, 1917, the only son of the late Joseph Adolphus (Dolph) Brady and Maggie Goodman Brady.

He attended Gold Knob Academy and Rockwell High School. Early in life he was a carpenter and was employed at Cannon Mills, Plant 11, Rockwell for 40 years.

He was a life member of St. Peters Lutheran Church where he was a member of the Blessed Assurance Sunday School Class and was honored for many years of perfect attendance. He was a former church council member, a member of the East Rowan Thrivent Financial Chapter. He served on the Board of Boy Scout Troop #307 and he had served as Chairman of the Cemetery Committee. His church work was a very important part of his life with numerous church related activities as long as his health permitted.

One of his greatest enjoyments after retirement was his daily walk to St. Peter's Lutheran Church Cemetery to check on the grounds. He was known as the "Cemetery Keeper" who knew where every grave was and the entire history of the cemetery. He daily kept the grounds clean, making sure all flowers were in the proper place and kept the monuments clean. For years he was in charge of grave sites and assisted in digging many graves by hand.

He was a devoted, loving, dedicated and much loved father, grandfather, great- grandfather. He was a man with great faith, gentle spirit of kindness and a strong determination to make the best of any circumstances that came his way. His witness was his faithful Christian Compassion and humble actions. Always having a smile on his face, he was always content and thankful with the gifts god gave him. To his grandsons and great grandchildren he was the "grandest" grandfather. He loved gardening with his grandsons. All those years together were priceless treasures of bonding that has rich roots and a firm foundation for the future generations. He raised his family in the church and taught them the value of the Christian Life. He leaves his family the greatest gift, a Godly legacy.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Estelle Yost Brady, on Sept. 11, 2008. They were a very devoted couple and he was waiting until the day he could join the love of his life again.

Survivors include one son, Jimmy Lee Brady and wife Elizabeth of Salisbury; two grandsons, Brad Brady, Eric Brady and wife Ann; two great-grandchildren, Kristen Michelle and Ryan Lee Brady; one daughter, Kathy Brady Whitley and husband Roger of Gold Hill; one sister, Hazel Brady Earnhardt; and a number of nephews and nieces.

Services: In thanksgiving to God for the life and faith of Herman and his legacy of love a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Salisbury with Rev. David Ridenhour and Rev. Robert Howard officiating.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Powles Funeral Home, Rockwell.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to St. Peters Lutheran Church, Cemetery Fund.

The family expresses their gratitude and sincere appreciation to Dr. Christopher Agner and all the staff of Rowan Diagnostic Clinic for their many years of medical service and compassionate care. To Carillon Assisted Living staff for their excellent care and loving kindness in making his last earthly home pleasant and enjoyable. To the residents of Carillon thank you for your priceless friendship.

Powles Funeral Home of Rockwell is assisting the Brady family.

Salisbury Post, 9 Feb 2009