Obituary of Major Clifford "Cliff" Dudley Grady, U.S. Force,

Clifford Grady was born and raised in Enterprise, Alabama. It was there that he first experienced the love of family, developed lifelong friendships, and acquired the determination to make a difference in this world. It was where his talent for music was identified and nurtured, first by learning to play the piano and then by becoming a trumpet master. He graduated, as class valedictorian, from Coppinville High School in 1960. He attended Tuskegee University before joining the United States Air Force in 1962. While at Tuskegee, Clifford learned the legacy of the Tuskegee airmen, and was honored to have been taught by some of those esteemed airmen. Clifford's active duty military service included specialties in electrical power production and aerospace ground equipment. He eventually served as crew chief for the base electrical power production plant while stationed at Bien Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. Clifford was honorably discharged from the USAF on December 8, 1969.Clifford resumed his academic studies, earning a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and a Master's of Science degree in Management from the University of La Verne in 1973 and 1980, respectively. In his civilian career, he managed the development of electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) software for the F-14 aircraft weapons systems. In 1998, following 20 years of dedicated service, Clifford retired from the Raytheon Company. Clifford joined the USAF Reserve (USAFR) in 1975. He applied for and received a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the USAFR in 1977. After obtaining the rank of Major, and following his command of the 445th Communications Squadron, Clifford retired from the USAFR in 1991. He dedicated more than twenty-four years of service to his country. His military decorations and awards included the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following retirement Clifford was free to enjoy the California sunshine, occupying his time by playing golf, becoming an American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) referee, and by supporting his childrens' involvement in various sports and school related activities. He and his family moved to Monument, Colorado in 2005. He came to love the friends, neighbors and acquaintances he made here. Clifford even decided to pursue another professional career, becoming a licensed real estate broker in 2008! He was also able to indulge his passion for travel and visited throughout the southwestern part of the United States.He was a member of the National Association of Realtors, Black Forest Community Church, and was a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Reserve Officers Association. Additionally, Clifford held lifetime teaching credentials in adult education and the community college system for the state of California, was a volunteer with the Vail Jazz Foundation, and served on the board of directors for the Woodmoor Park Townhomes Association.Clifford is survived by his wife of nearly thirty-six years, Sharon Louise (Slaughter) Grady; daughters, Cassandra R. (Anthony) Youngblood, Cheryl Y. Grady and Alexa R. Grady; son, Clifford D. Grady, II (Jessica); grandchildren, Myles, Isaiah and Amani Youngblood, and Demetrius Beynum, Jr.; sister, Alice P. (Charles) Hutchinson; brother, Charles H. (Perri) Grady; brother-in-law, Alphonso (Valerie) Slaughter; adopted fur baby, Maka; numerous nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.Contributions in Clifford's memory may be made to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Uplift Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and/or the Southern Poverty Law Center.The family expresses sincere gratitude to all who expressed concern, provided encouragement, and extended condolences during this period.Visitation, 10:00AM, followed by a Funeral Service, 11:00AM, Saturday, May 25, 2019, Black Forest Community Church, 6845 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. Events Visitation Saturday, May 25, 2019 10:00AM Black Forest Community Church 6845 Shoup Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 Funeral Service Saturday, May 25, 2019 11:00AM Black Forest Community Church 6845 Shoup Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 Graveside Thursday, October 24, 2019 1:00PM Arlington National Cemetery 1 Memorial Avenue Arlington , VA 22211 Phone: 719-347-2586 Final Resting Place Arlington National Cemetery 1 Memorial Avenue Arlington , VA 22211