Grady Lee Whitlock

Grady Lee Whitlock, 83, of Beckley, WV died suddenly Thursday, April 7, 2011. He was the son of the late James Kenney  Whitlock and Ice McKinney Whitlock of Fayetteville, WV and preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Belcher Whitlock and son, Grady Lee Whitlock I, and  Billy Whitlock, brother. Left to cherish his memory are sons, James Kenney William Whitlock (JK), Greg Whitlock and his wife, Debby,  Stephen Whitlock, and Mark Whitlock.  A daughter,  Clydia Whitlock and grandchildren, Marjorie Whitlock, Andrew and Amanda Lee Blair. His sisters are Thelma Neal and her husband Eddie and Anna Wilder Whitlock. Brother, James Whitlock and wife, Mava as well as sister-in-law Camilla Whitlock. His heart had a special place for all his nephews and his  deceased niece, Vaughne.  As the youngest person ever granted a Ford dealership worldwide, he was a self-made man and a Ford dealer for over forty years. He was the largest Ford/Lincoln/Mercury/Ford Truck dealer in the world.   He began his life of work at age 8 peddling chickens and garden vegetables out of his little wagon which was pulled by his beloved pony, “Pearl.” He worked up to and including the day of his death.  He loved all types of livestock including cattle and for over 60 years  raised miniature ponies that gave him great joy and pleasure.  He was one of the last true horse traders.  As owner of Whitlock Reality, a love of land and farming were his true passions.  He was an avid collector of antiques including unique automobiles, horse buggies, wagons, and farm equipment.  As a founding member of Flat Top Lake Association, he most recently enjoyed simple things like sunsets at the lake as well as the annual  July 4th fireworks. He spent every Sunday visiting family members throughout his life. Always stressing the importance of family and  enjoyed cherishing memories of the good ole days with his friends like Joe Holley and many others. When a family or individual was in need or down on their luck; his kind heart, money, or resources were given freely to many in the community.  His children would like to especially thank his recent  past personal assistants, Donna Brown, deceased, Pam Pack, and Erica Sanders for their kindness and hard work.  Also we thank his many past employees, customers, and friends. You were all an important  part of the many blessings given to him. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at the Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV with Pastor Chuck Pullins officiating. Burial will follow in High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6-8 P.M. On Monday, April 11, 2011. Pallbearers are Paul Blair, Kip Buchanan, Tim Coleman, Tom Evans, Larry Holley, Gene Malcolm, Wesley Neal,  Joe Whitlock, and Adam Wilder. Online condolences may be sent to www.tyreefuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV