Terrible news
This is horrible news. I wish I were back in Augusta so I could take a quick ride up the I-20 to his place and wish him well. Prayers will have to do.
I first met Grady when I was 19 at CT Billiards in Torrington, CT. He's always had time to tell a story or three, always with panache and flair. My most memorable recollection of Grady has to be at Shannon Daulton's GSBT event in Fayetteville, NC at Kings Street Billiards. I was moderating the chat for the live stream when we had Grady come on and commentate on a match between Charley "Hillbilly" Bryant and (I believe) Nick Varner. There was a break in the match, and the producer, Dustin, asked Grady to tell a story while we were waiting. We were thinking that it would be a pool related story of course, but Grady had other things in mind. He began to rattle off one of his famously off color stories...on a live broadcast! The entire production team was in tears.
For his commentary counterpart, Chris Adams, it was truly shocking. It was Chris's first time in the commentators booth, and he was already nervous; and excited at getting to call a match with Grady. He had absolutely NO clue what to do when Grady started in on his story...all he could do was try not to laugh into the microphone and throw his occasional 2 cents in with a question to TRY to keep Grady on track...If someone has the link to that video, it will give everyone a good laugh.
That story still is one of those that if I'm having a bad day at the office, will make me smile and laugh out loud. Grady has that effect on people...he's a person that when you meet him, you will not soon forget it! He leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets.
Grady, my prayers are going out to you and your family. Keep the good fight up, and I hope the next time I'm in GA, I have the chance to head up your way to say hi once again.
Joshua Johnson