Fred Jackson Grady, age 88, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2011 in Arcadia, FL. He was born in Arcadia January 19, 1923 and was a lifelong resident of Arcadia. Fred and his wife Betty owned and operated Robarts-Grady Funeral Home, Arcadia, FL for more than 30 years. Fred had been associated with the Robarts Funeral Home from the age of 13 years old, beginning as a lawn man eventually working himself up to owner in 1963. At the time of his death, Fred had devoted 75 years of funeral service to the DeSoto County community. He was a graduate of DeSoto Co. High School, Class of 1942. Fred was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U. S. Maritime Service and the US Navy. He was discharged as a Lieutenant Junior Grade after four years of honorable service. Fred returned to Arcadia and his former job at the Robarts Funeral Home after his discharge from the U.S. Navy. He married his beloved wife of 65 years, Betty Jean Albritton Grady in 1946. He and Betty moved to Nashville, TN in 1947 to attend the Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science. He graduated in 1948 at the top of his class, receiving a Degree in Mortuary Science. He and Betty returned to Arcadia to begin what was to be a long and rewarding career in the funeral business. Fred enjoyed the outdoors, from hunting to working his beloved Wagon Wheel Ranch where he maintained a herd of Brangus and Florida Cracker Cattle. He loved riding his horse in parades and in later years being joined by his grandchildren and wife in his Amish Buggy. Fred, known as Papaw, by his grandchildren, was a devoted Father and Husband and always went the extra mile for his family and friends. He served as past president and a member of the Board of Directors for the Arcadia Rotary Club during his 64 years of faithful service. He was a charter member of the DeSoto County Sheriff s Posse. He was the past Noble Grand for the I.O.O.F Lodge #37, Arcadia, FL, a member of the Peace River Masonic Lodge #66 F & AM, Arcadia, FL, member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, #30, Arcadia, FL, a member of the Fl Funeral Directors Association and the American Funeral Directors Association. He was a charter member of the FL Pre-Need Burial Association and past member of the Board of Directors, a member of the DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce. He was a lifetime member of the V. F. W. Post 2824, Arcadia, FL, a member of the Desoto County Cattleman s Association, a member of the Florida Cracker Cattle Association, and a member of the Florida Cracker Horse Association. Fred was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Arcadia, FL for more than 71 years, where he served as past Chairman of Administration Council, member of the Board of Trustees, Pastor-Parish Committee, and the Methodist Men s Club. Survivors are: Betty Jean Grady, Arcadia, Fl., a son Frederick John (Lisa) Grady, Tampa, FL, three grandchildren; Kacy Skylar Grady, Boulder, CO, John Keaton Grady and Heath Frederick Grady both of Tampa, FL. Visitation will be from 6:00PM until 8:00PM, Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsborough Avenue, Arcadia, FL. Friends may pay their respect and condolences throughout the day on Wednesday, as well as that evening. Funeral services will be at 2:00PM May 5, 2011, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Arcadia, FL. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Arcadia, FL. Flowers appreciated, but donations may be made to the Florida Cracker Cattle Association, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL. 32611 or Trinity United Methodist Church, 304 W. Oak St., Arcadia, FL. 34266 Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.