Columbus, OH — Rodney Grady (Zeke to many), 82, died May 9, 2023, at his home in Chelsea, Maine, after a lengthy illness with cancer.

He was born in Gardiner, Maine, on Aug. 10, 1940, the son of Arthur and June (Harris) Grady. He graduated in 1958 from Gardiner High School.

Mr. Grady loved to tease and always had a joke and a laugh.

After a few odd jobs, he started the career he loved the most. He became a top trainer, or near the top, at every Standardbred racetrack he went to, in and out of New England. He was very well known for taking young drivers and grooms under his wing and making them much sought after trainers and very successful catch-drivers.

Mr. Grady’s love and knowledge of the horses has been passed on to his nephew, Hunter, whom he was very proud of.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nettie; son, Bill (Anne); daughter, Pam (Lill); granddaughter, Brandi; great-grandson, Jaydyn (JJ); sister, Kay Myers; brother, Everett (Sandra) Reynolds; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, June and Arthur; and sisters, Marvina Davis, Geraldine (Gerrie) Merrill and Penny Perry.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at the American Legion Post 4, 46 Griffin Street, Gardiner, Maine, on Thursday (May 18) between the hours of 4-8 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com.