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A brief history of Grady's

1891 Grady's was founded by James Grady as a hire business with 2 donkeys and a wagonette. Landaus and horses were to follow and a journey into Havant cost just 2/6d or 12 pence. George, grandson of James, became the 3rd generation to carry on the tradition and he expanded to 8 landaus and 2 broughams.
1916 George was de-mobbed minus one lung, and went back to the hire business which now boasted 6 cars. He and his father carried on, and were the first people to own a motor hearse – a rarity in those days.
1928 George married Margaret, and the following year their son Gordon was born. Gordon was to join the generations of Grady's in the family business.
1957 Gordon married Rene Maunder (a Hayling girl) and they went on to have two daughters: Jane and Sarah.
1976 George passed away.
1979 Margaret passed away. Gordon and Rene continued to run the family business.
1988 Jane joined as fifth generation; becoming one of the only lady funeral directors to conduct funerals.
2001 Rene became ill and started to take a less active role.
2003 Janes husband Peter joined as partner, having worked when needed in the business part-time for many years.
2004 Jonathan, Jane and Peter's youngest son, becomes the sixth generation to join the company.
2006 Gordon's granddaughter Lucy joined the business. Now three generations working together.
2008 Gordon passed away leaving the new era of younger family members to continue in the way he would have wanted.
2009 Graham, Lucy's partner, joined the business, making it a truly family concern.
2014 Redesigned & extended garden chapel which can now hold funeral services for up to 40 people.
2017 Memorial Room was opened.
2018 A new limousine was purchased.
2019 New sign was fitted on the front and side of the building.
2020 The world was hit by a global pandemic. This was a testing time for all.
2021 We welcomed our new member of Staff, Donna, who has joined us in August, she has a wealth of experience in the Funeral industry and will be a great asset to us going forward into the future.