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. |
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. | |