Mr. Grady Doyle Due Jr.'s Obituary
Mr. Grady Doyle Due Jr., 72, of Alvin, Texas passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017 in Webster, Texas. Mr. Due was preceded in death by his parents, Grady D. Due Sr. and Ruth Hart Due and son, Lance Austin Due. He is survived by his wife, Ester Minter Due; daughter, Christine Vittone and husband Keith; daughter, Kelli McCoy; grandchildren, Javea Vittone, Jaden Vittone, Jenna Vittone and Kyle Austin Due; sister, Hedy Minter and husband Hal Coffman; Sister, Barbara Gamache and husband Chuck; brother, Dan Due and wife Carol as well as numerous nieces and nephews that loved him dearly. Grady was a veteran of the Vietnam War; he served in the Navy for 21 years and retired as a PR1. During this time he earned the following Medals of Honor: Good Conduct – 4 Stars, National Defense, Medal for Humane Action, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Grady also earned the following Ribbons: Navy “E” Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Ribbon, Gallantry Cross Unit Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon and the Navy Expedition Metal Ribbon; as you can see on his blues. After retiring from the Navy, Grady worked for NASA; trained alongside the astronaut’s and prepared and maintained the suits the astronaut’s wore in space. Grady had the privilege to be on 21 crews and finally retired after eleven years. Grady grew up in South Houston, as a child he loved airplanes. He actually had a neighbor that would take him flying which turned into a fascination that continued throughout his adult life. While stationed in Florida, he was introduced to scuba diving where he found his love for the ocean. He was able to continue this passion with his best friend Chuck Beckman for many years. Grady also enjoyed the outdoors especially boats and taking his family on camping trips as much as possible. He was a devoted husband and a wonderful father.
The family will receive friends Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Southpark Funeral Home 1310 North Main St. Pearland, Texas 77581. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 3, 2017 at 12:30 PM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow Monday at 2:30 PM with Full Military Honors at the Houston National Cemetery.
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