Bobby Gratho Shrader Obituary
Bobby Gratho Shrader, age 80, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2021 a little past 9 p.m., with his wife, children, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren holding on to him and clinging to his side. Bobby fought a hard fight for two months. After, suffering a massive heart attack which required quadruple bypass that resulted in more complications.
Bobby was born on March 28, 1941 in Harman, Virginia, to the late Robert Gillespie Shrader and Hallie Mae Crigger Shrader. He was a retired coal miner working for Harman Mining and several others, before retiring 37 years later. He was a well known horse rider sponsored by Auburn Ratliff where her won several races. He loved to coon hunt as often as possible, and travel with his many friends, most importantly, Alan Carter and Ray Stacy, son-in-laws, and children.
His passion and integrity to those he loved was unwavering. He had a infectious smile and laugh that will live on forever. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first son and horse riding buddy, Michael James Shrader, who passed in 1979 at age 18. Special daughter, Sherry Lynn Wallace, in 2014; son-in-law Chris Anthony Bailey; one granddaughter; great granddaughter Kayleigh Reese Mullins; brothers Hobart, Doke, Robert, Golden, and Jackie Shrader; sisters Naomi and Edna Shrader, Hazel Lane, Sadie Hamilton, Lavada Blankenship, Marie McNutt, Beatrice Hibbits, and Geneva Owens.
Those left to cherish his memory, includes the woman he fell in love with in May 1986, Ethel Ellen Shrader, his one and only true love; sons Tony Shrader of Hurley, VA, Shane Shrader and companion Teresa of Hurley, VA; daughters Debbie Gilbert of Vansant, VA, Teresa Deel and companion Ricky Bailey of Vansant, VA, Anita Bailey of Hurley, VA; sisters Nell McNutt, Naomi Fife, and Rosella Hess; his baby daughter Jessica Hope Blankenship, that he had recently developed an inseparable bond with, son-in-law Timothy E. Blankenship, which he loved as his own.
To my father, The smell of Old Spice, A flat cap on the dash, Windows rolled down in the wind While birds fly past Singing along with the radio A little out of tune, Hanging onto that steering wheel Was the man who hung the moon Used to wrap my hands around his little finger Turns out he was wrapped around mine. He said, "You can be anything you want to in this great big world" But I'm always gonna be daddy's little girl.!
I love you with all my heart always and forever. Your little girl, Jessica. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, three being the love of his life, (Brooke, Dacoda, & McKinleigh), Several great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Active Pallbearers will be Shane Shrader, Tony Shrader, Braxton Shrader, Ballard Chaffins, Dacoda Stiltner, Tim Blankenship, Robbie Blankenship, and Timmy Matney.
Honorary Pallbearers will Henry Shrader, Charlie Altizer, Henry McNutt, Shawn McNutt, Ray Wolford, Alan Carter, Johnny Lester, Mickey Stiltner, Dr. Tish H. Bowman, and 2 special nurses (Kayleigh Rife & Rachel Jackson). Funeral Services for Bobby Gratho Shrader will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the Harman Holiness Church of Harman, VA, with Danny Hess and Rudolph Sesco officiating.
Burial will follow in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, VA. The family will receive friends at the Harman Holiness Church after 6:00 p.m. Monday, November 15, and Tuesday, November 16, with evening services beginning at held at 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to http://www.shortridgeramey.com. The family of Bobby Gratho Shrader have entrusted the care of their loved one to Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy, VA.
