Grady Paul Sunday, Sr., 75, of Dayton, Texas, passed away on August 19, 2026.

Grady was born on April 5, 1951, in Houston, Texas, to Ivy Andrew Sunday and Susie Lee Baird. A resident of Dayton for the past 33 years, Grady was a hardworking and devoted family man who believed strongly in honesty, doing things the right way, and providing for those he loved. He was no stranger to long hours and took great pride in a job well done.

Grady spent many years working as an engineer on tugboats. Throughout his career, he used his knowledge and experience to instruct and mentor young men entering the profession. He enjoyed teaching others the skills he had learned over the years and helping them find their way in the industry.

When he wasn't working, Grady enjoyed being outdoors. He loved fishing and hunting and especially enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Whether out on the water, in the woods, or on the open road, he appreciated the freedom and simple pleasures those moments brought him.

Above all, Grady was a loving and devoted husband. He shared 40 years of marriage with his wife, Dorothy "Crickett" Sunday, and the life they built together was one of his greatest accomplishments. His strong work ethic, honesty, and devotion to his family were qualities that defined him throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Grady was preceded in death by his parents, Ivy Andrew Sunday and Susie Lee Baird; his son, Grady Paul Sunday, Jr.; his brothers, Arthur Sunday and Stevie Sunday; and his sisters, Judy Kuntola and Lillie Christenberry.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 40 years, Dorothy "Crickett" Sunday; his children, Pamela and Robert Suarez, Melissa Sunday and Rey Ortiz, William and Juanita Sunday, Michael P. Sunday, Sr., James and Veronica Wheeler, Benji G. Wheeler, Bridget and Heartland West, and Allen I. Sunday; his grandchildren, Ruben Garza, Robert Garza, Chelsey Pagan, Rey Ortiz, Michael Sunday, Georgie Mattingly, Sheradan Sunday, William Sunday, Jr., Jonathan Sunday, Justin Sunday, Drake Sunday, Michael P. Sunday, Jr., Lilly Wheeler, Barrett Wheeler, Railee Wheeler, Andrew Wheeler, Gabriella Wilkerson, Alexandria Wilkerson, Andrea Sunday, and Kash Sunday; and his great-grandchildren, Madelynn Garza, Kai Garza, McKenzie Jarboe, Osbaldo Calderon, Christian Hernandez, Joshua Sunday, Emerie Sunday, Connor Kuritz, Kora Flores, Arabella Sunday, Rayleigh Sunday, and Laekyn Sunday.

Grady is also survived by his siblings, EaraLee Ward and husband Leonard Ward, Curtis Sunday and wife Sheila, Janie Goodwater, and Phillip Sunday; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A service to celebrate Grady’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, Texas. Pastor Leonard Ward will officiate the service.