Lee Gene Graddy

Lee Gene Graddy, 91 years of age, passed away August 3, 2021, at Founder’s Crest Memory Care home in Wichita. Lee was born on January 16, 1930, in Vilonia, Arkansas. He was the oldest of the six children born to cotton farmers Tom Joe and Lou Ella (Avra) Graddy during the depression. Lee grew up as his dad’s right-hand man on the farm and received his education from the Vilonia School District in Arkansas where he graduated with the class of 1947. In 1951, at the age of 21, Lee was drafted into the Korean War. He completed his basic training in Fort Lewis, Washington and was later sent to Germany where he served with the 1402d Engineer Combat Battalion. He often told the story that once during daily roll call his commanding officer called for “volunteers for truck drivers”. As the soldiers, who were eager for an easy job behind the wheel, quickly volunteered, they were directed to “grab a wheel barrow and get after it”. He laughed at the job switch every time he told that story. After the war ended in 1953, Lee returned to Arkansas where he met his beloved wife, Johnie Mae Clem. They were united in marriage on August 14,1954, in Conway, Arkansas, just one day after Johnie graduated from college, and were happily married for nearly 67 years. Soon after their wedding, the couple saw an opportunity for success in Wichita, Kansas, where Lee found employment at Boeing Aircraft Company as an aircraft mechanic. He was a faithful employee and instilled the value of loyalty and hard work in his two sons. Lee retired in 1990 after 33 years of dedicated service. Lee’s devotion to his employer was surpassed only by his devotion to his family. His greatest pleasures in life came as he and Johnie raised their two sons. Michael and David admiringly recall times spent with their father during ordinary tasks where they learned how to maintain a house. They still tell with pride how their dad could build or repair anything. Later in life, Lee’s sons realized their father must have been a financial genius. They never lacked anything growing up, even though their dad was not a rich man. His five grandchildren have fond memories of Christmas celebrations when Granddad would wear a Santa hat and a huge grin as he passed out their presents. He loved playing dominoes and cards with them and would insist on playing ‘til he won! He was always so proud of the grandchildren and did not miss a single high school or college graduation ceremony. On Friday nights and weekends, Lee could be found cheering for the grandkids at all their sporting events and rarely missed a game. Lee was an avid bowler and was a loyal member of several teams in Wichita including mixed leagues with his wife. They enjoyed out of town competitions and often brought home the trophy. In fact, Lee once bowled a score of 299 - just one point shy of that perfect game! Lee passed on his love of bowling to his sons as he coached their teams on Saturday mornings when they were small. As his grandchildren grew, they also found great joy in bowling with their granddad and continue bowling on teams today. In retirement, Lee and Johnie enjoyed traveling. Some of their greatest adventures took them to Hawaii, New York, Florida, and Niagara Falls, and they especially enjoyed traveling to compete in the National Bowling Championships in various locations including Las Vegas and Reno. One of the highlights of Lee’s travels was his Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. in 2015 with other veterans where they were honored for their service to their country. Left to cherish the memories of Lee are his loving wife of almost 67 years - Johnie Graddy of Wichita, Kansas; sons - Michael Graddy and wife Christy of Kearney, Nebraska, and David Graddy and wife Alice of Wichita, Kansas; five grandchildren - Michelle Westerbeck and husband Dustin of Kearney, Nebraska, Aaron Graddy and wife Sarah of Crown Point, Indiana, Paul Graddy and wife Angie of Funk, Nebraska, Mallory Ashworth and husband Kevin of Derby, Kansas, Cole Graddy and wife Brooke of Wichita, Kansas; eleven great-grandchildren; siblings - Bob Graddy of Conway, Arkansas, Emma Richardson and Ella Jo Sharp both of Little Rock, Arkansas; and niece - Ruth Forrest of Jacksonville, Florida. Gene was preceded in death by his parents - Tom Joe and Lou Ella Graddy; and siblings - Barbara Washam and Bill Graddy. Graveside Service will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Lakeview Cemetery. A memorial has been established with: Serenity Hospice Care, 3221 N. Toben St., Wichita, KS 67226. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.