Grady Michael Henson, 78, of Morganton, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health.

Grady was born on June 28, 1948, in Rutherford County, a son of the late Grady and Genell Holtzclowth Henson. A proud United States Army veteran, he carried on his father’s legacy by serving his country honorably during the Vietnam War. For his service, he received numerous military honors, including the Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Grady graduated from Chase High School in 1966. He then began his further education at East Carolina before enlisting. Following his military service, he continued to expand his education at Appalachian State University and Converse University, where he earned two Masters degrees. He went on to teach sixth grade in the Rutherford County school system for many years, while also serving as a coach and remaining actively involved in his community. For fourteen years, Grady and his wife of twenty-two years, Carla, owned and operated Eagles Lake before he eventually retired. Retirement, however, did little to slow him down. He loved cruising around in his cars and making the most of each day, embracing life to the fullest. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Carla Henson; sister, Lavon Melton (Doug); daughter, Leslie Henson (Jeff Walsh) of Shelby; son, Randy Henson (Donna) of Ellenboro; grandchildren, Sutton and Hadley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He truly loved his dogs, Smoky and Flash. He will be greatly missed by his brother-in-law, Jimmy Sutton (Tootie) of Haywood County.

A Receiving of Friends will be held at Heritage Funeral Service on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 2 PM to 4 PM.

A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of the Western Carolina State Veterans’ Cemetery on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Marvin Wiley officiating. Military honors will be presented by the United States Army National Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Burke County Friends for Animals at https://burkecountyfriends4animals.org/index.php/give/.

Heritage Funeral Service is assisting the family.