February 28, 1963 - February 11, 2006
With Family by his side, Grady M. Wilkerson, 42, was called home by his Father in Heaven on Saturday, February 11, 2006 after a 6 ˝ year battle with cancer. He was born in Richland, WA on February 28, 1963, and graduated from Richland High in 1981. He lived in Alaska and the Seattle area before moving back to the Tri-Cities, where he has lived in Badger Canyon for the last 12 years. He worked in construction all his life. Grady was talented as a Framer, Insulator, Dry Waller, Taper/Texturer, and Home Builder. Grady was a trusted, valuable and beloved Superintendent for Don Pratt Construction, Inc., at the time of his passing. He was an early riser, a diligent, thorough worker, who handled pressure, details, and deadlines with ease and endeared himself to his co-workers, subs, suppliers and customers with his hard work, compassion, organization, and genuine love for those who trusted him to create the house of their dreams. Truly He was a master of all trades. Grady enjoyed operating the various pieces of heavy equipment he encountered in his job, and especially enjoyed driving his company’s semi tractor, trailer rig. Earning his CDL license was a life long dream, and a very proud accomplishment. He gave of himself tremendously during his time spent in this world, and made himself available at a moments notice for anyone in need. He definitely was loved by all. Grady enjoyed supporting the Tri-City and Yakima Raceways and helping to build circle track race cars with his Father-in-Law, Carl Dean, at Badger Canyon Racing. He was a scuba diver and enjoyed vacationing with friends. He is survived by his wife Brenda, and children, Ryan Wilkerson and wife Sarah, Lezlie Wooten and husband Chad, Derrik Dean, Kayla Wilkerson, Tyler Dean and Kimberly Wilkerson. Also, His parents, Lee Sr. and Willow Wilkerson and siblings, Pink Wilkerson and wife Lisa, Sharon Badbada, Deena Lane, Tammi Davie, Gwen Johnson, Nancy Wilkerson, Lee Jr. and wife Jennifer, and many other extended family members and very dear friends. A memorial service will be held at Bethel Church, 600 Shockley Road, Richland, Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 12:00pm. Services are provided by Hillcrest Memorial Center, Kennewick. For more information and to sign the guest book visit www.hillcrestmemorialcenter.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a memorial account in Grady’s name at HAPO Credit Union, acct. #1351920, Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, or Tri-Cities Cancer Center, 7350 W. Deschutes Ave, Kennewick.