Grady Sessums

A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Grady Claude Sessums of Vernon, TX, passed away under hospice care Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 79 years of age. He was embraced by the love of his family. \r\n \r\nGrady was born August 10, 1937 in Vernon, TX, as the 5th of 7 children of Orville Claude Sessums and Bonnie Beatrice Cox Sessums. Grady grew up in oilfield camps where his father worked. He has related stories of their meals being cooked over a campfire and his mother making soap and washing all of their clothes by hand. With 5 sisters, he often talked about how he had 6 "mothers" and was never able to get away with anything. He moved to Sweetwater, TX where he graduated from High School. It was in shop class at this high school, where he and his classmates built a working cannon and blew out 1 entire wall of the shop. At his 35th high school reunion, everyone was surprised to hear of his career in law enforcement as they all thought he would have ended up in prison.\r\n \r\nAfter high school, Grady became a jet mechanic in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed in Arizona, he met his "one and only bride", Sandra Maureen Mailliard. They were married on June 8, 1960 and he brought her "home" to Texas. Grady became a Texas DPS state trooper and was stationed in Houston, TX. Grady and Sandy had a son, Steve Randall "Josh" born May 3, 1961. Afterwards, Grady was transferred to Del Rio, TX to become a highway patrolman. Their daughter, Jana Rhea was born December 19, 1963.\r\n \r\nWhile working full time as a highway patrolman, Grady also took college courses at Sul Ross State University. In June 1969, he passed the exam to become a Texas Ranger and was able to stay in Del Rio. In the mid 1970's he became Sergeant and transferred to Houston, TX. Several years later, he became Captain and was assigned to stay in Houston. Grady had a very distinguished and well respected career as a Texas Ranger and retired in 1982.\r\n \r\nHe went to work as Director of Security for KSA Industries. He was hired by Bud Adams, who was owner of KSA and the NFL team, The Houston Oilers. Grady handled all the security arrangements for all home and away games for the team. He even traveled to Japan for one of their games. He also handled many of the needs for the various farming and ranching operations owned by KSA. \r\n \r\nUpon his second retirement, he and Sandy purchased some land outside of Houston in Cypress, TX and opened an RV storage business. They sold this business after several years and purchased an RV and went on the road. They enjoyed many travels together and eventually settled back down in Center Point, TX, where Grady became an active member of the Former Texas Rangers Assn. and Former Texas Ranger Foundation. \r\n \r\nGrady and Sandra relocated to Abilene in 2008 to help his sister Patsy and her husband Charles who had developed Alzheimers. After they both passed, they relocated to the Temple in 2016 to be closer to their son and daughter, since their health was declining. Grady developed dementia and had to have specialized care in his final months. His family was ever present in taking care of all of his needs and being there for him until the very end. \r\n \r\nGrady was predeceased by his parents, Orville and Bonnie Sessums, and his sisters, Patsy and Nelda. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandy; brother, Duane of Arizona; sisters, Margie of Baton Rouge, LA, Freddie of Houston, and Jerry of Andrews; son, Steve and wife Christina of Temple; daughter, Jana and husband Dennis of Buda; grandson, Randy and wife Megan of Kerrville; granddaughter, Katy and great grandson, Damien of Houston. \r\n \r\nGrady was a Mason. He will be remembered as a very dedicated, moral and strong man who was completely devoted to his wife and family. He was known to be an amazing storyteller with a great sense of humor and could tell stories from his career in incredible detail. He was known to be "scary" intelligent and a force to be reckoned with. Even until his final days, he strongly identified himself as a Texas Ranger. \r\n \r\nHe was very much loved and respected and will forever be missed! His spirit will live on in all the lives he touched.\r\n \r\nThe family will receive friends at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville, TX, Thursday, May 11, 2017 between 6-8 pm. Services will be Friday, May 12, 2017 at Grimes Funeral Chapels at 10 am, followed by a graveside service at Center Point Cemetery. Following the graveside service a lunch will be available at High's Cafe in Comfort. \r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Former Texas Ranger Foundation. Donations are accepted through the The Texas Ranger Heritage Center, www.trhc.org, mailing address: PO Box 3195, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 or reach them at 830-990-1192. \r\n