Grady L Oxendine, Sr.

Lumberton, NC - Mr. Grady L. Oxendine, Sr., 89, 1203 Hwy. 74 West passed away unexpectedly on April 22, 2022.

Mr. Oxendine was born in Elrod, NC on Sept. 4, 1932, the son of the late James H. and Luvenia Oxendine. He attended Harper's Ferry Church faithfully and read his bible every day. Preceding him in death were his wife Margarete Oxendine, one daughter, Anita Oxendine and 4 siblings, Grace, Alphosene, Clinton and Jerry Oxendine.

Grady Oxendine was the oldest of 11 children. His heritage, early childhood, young adult upbringing and education was full of rich and rewarding culture experiences which led to an intense interest in later life resulting in attempts to improve the plights and dilemma of all American Indians. Mr. Oxendine held a highly admirable position in the Indian community. He was a member of the NCAI (National Congress of American Indians) and the president of UAIDV (United American Indians of Delaware Valley)  an organization with members from many different tribes that settled in the Delaware Valley. He was the patriarch of a huge family, loved by each and every one from the youngest to the oldest. Not only was he fun loving, kind and extremely generous with his time and resources - he was a man who always looked out for and helped others his entire life. He was helping to build houses in Florida at 80+ years old for Habitat for Humanity. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great - grandfather, his family meant the world to him. While in the Army he was the recipient of the Golden Gloves award for boxing. He started his own business after working as a welder for the Navy Yard in South Philly. As Grady's Welding grew, it prospered, no doubt due to the fact that Grady was always a hard worker. He sponsored a bowling team, played and won tournaments for 20 years and was an avid golfer. He was a master Mason with over 50 years of service to Freemasonary as well as the Commander of American Legion Post 926. He has donated so much of his own blood that he used to have a little pin that said "2 gallons" given to him by the Red Cross. Mr. Oxendine was well loved and respected by all, a pillar of his community. 

He is survived by one daughter, Gail Oxendine and one son, Grady L. Oxendine, Jr. both of Ridley Township, PA. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, 4 sisters, Sheila Frederick of Lumberton, Helen Locklear of Florence, Josie Todd of Delaware and Carol Greene of Michigan, 2 brothers, Willie and Bobby Oxendine both of Lumberton and a host of relatives and friends. Special thanks to Danny Banta, Pat McGinn and Roger Frederick who were always there for Grady since the day they met him. He considered all 3 of them his other sons.

Memorial Services in PA will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Sweeney Funeral Home in Newtown Square, PA at 12:00 noon. Funeral services in NC will be held on Sunday July 3, 2022 at Harpers Ferry Church in Pembroke, NC at 2:00pm. Immediately after service there will be a 21 gun salute outside on church grounds followed by A Lumbee Tribal Recongnition Ceremony at Hayes Pond in Maxton, NC to honor Mr. Oxendine. In honor of Grady L. Oxendine, Sr. in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a cause that he supported.... The Hayes Pond Project,  Lumbee Tribe, 6984 Hwy. 711 Pembroke, NC 28372

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