David L. Grady

David L. Grady, age 71, of Beloit, Wisconsin, entered his eternal rest on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He was called home to be healed from his earthly trials and tribulations, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that will forever be remembered.

David was born on April 4, 1954, in Beloit, Wisconsin, to the late Josie Mae Grady (Cates) and the late Donald Grady Sr.

David excelled in academics and attended Beloit College, where he played basketball for four years, scoring 999 career points and setting the Buccaneers’ career record with 725 rebounds. He was named Most Valuable Player and earned Midwest Conference First-Team honors as a senior forward. He was awarded the Pat Dawson Award in 1975 as Beloit College’s top male athlete and was inducted into the Beloit College Athletic Hall of Honors on February 5, 1994.

David was a proud member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Beloit, WI, and worked for 30 years as a Commercial Industrial Marketing Representative for Wisconsin Power & Light Co. until his retirement. He was also active in various community affairs and served as chair of the Beloit Crime Stoppers, Kiwanis, and the Beloit Board of Review.  After retirement, his expertise was recognized and sought out by Northern Illinois University, where he went on to become a successful talent recruiter in their engineering department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling; these activities brought him peace and joy throughout his life.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Kay Grady, his daughters: Dr. Sonya (Arras) Martin, Angel Gladney, Precious Gladney, Shenike Gladney, and Ashley Gladney. His brothers: Donald (Christine) Grady II of Boston, MA, Michael Grady of Manistique, MI, and Bob (Michelle) Grady of Algonquin, IL. His grandchildren: Shanteria Martin, Talaisa Moore, Briana Little, Brian Little, Darryl Lewis II, Christian Vargas, Aston Martin, Kayla Alexander, Jasmine Gladney, and Melody Vargas. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Josie Mae Grady (Cates) and Donald Grady Sr., as well as his sisters, Mary Grady and Patricia Lee.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Beloit, WI. Rev. O.J. Newburn Sr. will officiate. A burial will follow at Floral Lawn Cemetery, 835 Dearborn Ave., South Beloit, IL 61080. Friends may visit from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the church located at 1151 East Grand Ave., Beloit, WI 53511.

Arrangements are being handled by Sundberg Funeral Home, 215 North Sixth St, Rockford, Illinois, 61107.