David A. McGrady of Sparta, NC passed away suddenly at his home on January 8. He was 60 years old. Mr. McGrady is survived by his wife, Sandy McGrady. He is the son of Arlie Ogle McGrady and the late Arnold McGrady of Hillsville, VA. He is also survived by his mother and by his son David Allen McGrady of Roanoke, his sister Phyllis McGrady and her husband Chris Antoniacci of New York City.

David McGradys long, successful career in broadcasting included projects that assisted the military, numerous TV and radio stations and even the producers of the Superbowl. But his interest in the technology started at a young age.

David was nine years old when he discovered WHHV, the radio station in Hillsville. Saturday mornings found him arriving at the station on his bike by 5 AM, hoping to help and to learn. Davids nervous parents waited for announcer Harold Mitchell to say Ive been joined by my young friend, the signal that David had arrived safely.

David graduated from Hillsville High School in 1967 and attended Wytheville Community College and ECPI Technical School where he studied computer technology. His military service took him to Vietnam, where he learned the new field of microwave broadcasting.

Later in life, a number of positions at Midwest Communications, Inc. resulted in important contributions to his profession. These include designs used for satellite trucks that broadcast the Superbowl and other major events; camera installations for the flight training school at the Piedmont Training Center in Charlotte; and communications facilities aboard the Navy aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower.

When his first wife, Becky Sowers died unexpectedly, David altered his career path in order to raise his son. He became chief engineer at Channel 29, WVIR-TV in Charlottesville, VA and later at Channel 9, WSOC-TV in Charlotte, NC.

David and Sandy were married in 1995 and lived for 10 years in Concord, NC. They carefully planned a retirement in Sparta, near the mountains they loved, designing and building the house of their dreams. Much of the construction work was done with their own hands. Their home is a place that accommodated their hobbies and a low key lifestyle centered around a wood-burning fireplace and a warm kitchen.

David McGrady was a ham radio operator, and one room of his home was equipped for that. His hobby enabled him to speak with people around the world. His woodworking took up much of his time, too.

David McGrady will be missed by all who love him. He touched many lives, and those people are blessed to have known him.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 3:30 PM with Rev. Tim Stamper and Dr. John Dunstan officiating. Burial will follow in the Gardner Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 from 2:00 until 3:30 pm prior to the funeral service.

Donations may be made in David McGrady's memory to Alleghany Cares P.O. Box 1655 Sparta, NC 28675, which is an organization that provides quality clothing and emergency aid for those in need.