Grady C. Exum, Jr.

Grady Carlton Exum Jr., was born the son of Grady Carlton Exum Sr. and Georgia Frances Chaffin on August 8, 1944, in Fulton County, Georgia, and departed this life on August 17, 2026, at his home in Koshkonong, Missouri, at the age of 82.

He was united in marriage on September 14, 1966, in Hampton, Georgia, to Mary Jane Murphy. Their marriage was blessed for 52 years before her passing in 2018.

Grady is survived by his children, Shannon (Tonia) Exum, of Alton, Missouri, and Dawn (Mark) Holman, of Alton, Missouri; brother, Danny (Barbara) Exum; grandchildren, Ellie Exum, Callie Exum, Danielle (Skyler) Chronister, Carli Holman, Jennah Holman, and Kaden Holman; great-grandchildren, Harper Chronister, and Sage Chronister; nieces and nephews, Tracy (Justin) Dismukes, Terri (Ashley) Watson, and Rusty Exum; great-niece and several great-nephews; many cousins; special friends, Sharolett Combs and her family; Serenity Hayes; Aurel Leamon; and his extended V.A. Family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Grady Exum Sr. and Georgia Exum; and his wife, Mary Exum.

Grady was a proud member United States Army as Military Police during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, honorably serving his country. He was also a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Koshkonong, Missouri, for many years.

Grady enjoyed spending time in the field, taking care of his mules and donkeys, going horseback and wagon riding. He loved working on the farm, raising cattle his entire life; however, his greatest companion of all was his cat, Butterball. Grady looked forward to his Thursday meetings with his V.A. extended family, but above all, he cherished his family and his grandkids.

Grady will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His dedication towards his family, his faith, and the simple joys of country life will remain a lasting part of the memories he leaves behind.

Memorials may be sent to 

St. Jude Children’s Hospital 

Memorial Processing

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL

Memphis, TN, 38105-9959

Or left with the Funeral Home. 

Officiating will be Brother James Collins, and special music will be by the Howell Family. Pallbearers will be David Howell, Daniel Howell, Shannon Exum, Mark Holman, Skyler Chronister, Kaden Holman, Eric Smith, and Jason Brigman. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tommy Brigman, Bobby Haddock, Jaxon Combs, and Owen Combs.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri, from 1:00 until the time of the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m.   

Burial will be at the Jolliff Cemetery of Rover, Missouri with Military Honors. For GPS put the following address:

564-4-164-34 Oregon County 338, Koshkonong, MO, 65692

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, MO.