Grady Waid Denney Burgess, age 34, of Carrollton, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. He was born on December 12, 1990 in Carrollton, Georgia to Chuck Burgess and Julie Denney Brown (Mike).

Grady had a huge heart and unconditional love for others, putting the needs of others before his own. So often it has been said that Grady would lift the mood of an entire room with his presence alone. Grady's wit and charm made him so easy to love! He made friends easily and offered to help anyone and everyone he met. He checked on co-workers, friends and family regularly, always leaving a ray of sunshine and spark of joy wherever he went. Grady loved music, video games, and tattoo art. He also enjoyed spending time with those he loved and cared for. His adventurous spirit thrived in the great outdoors where he felt a strong connection to nature. Grady loved spending the last 8 months of his life in the North Georgia Mountains, residing in Helen, Georgia. His charismatic personality and playful sense of humor made a lasting impression on those around him. Grady had a remarkable ability to remind everyone of the joy found in life's simple moments, leaving them with cherished memories of friendship and fun.

In addition to his parents, Grady is survived by his beloved son, Greyson William Kelly, who brought immense joy to his life; his cherished grandmother, Gayle M. Denney, who played a significant role in his upbringing; his sisters, Chelsea Waters and Jessy Lee Brown, and his brand-new baby niece, Charley Gayle Brown. Grady is also remembered and deeply loved by his aunts, Kacey Denney Cook and Kelly Denney Horsley; his uncle, Lee Denney; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews on his daddy's side of the family and numerous cousins on his mama's side who all felt blessed to see his smiling face and sparkling eyes at Christmas this past year.

Grady was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Phillip Denney, who was also a father figure to Grady and whose wisdom he greatly admired; his paternal grandparents, Lewis and Lenora B. Allen, and his nephew, Jay Caldwell, whose memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

Grady's legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

Grady's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the residents and employees of the Hickey House in Helen, Georgia. Grady found a whole new family there and made friends who changed his life for the better. We are forever thankful for each one of you who shared and contributed to Grady's life over the past 8 months.

A funeral service will honor and celebrate Grady's life on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM from the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, with Pastor Keith Horsley officiating. Interment will follow in Emmaus Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, with Skyler Denney, Eli Horsley, Wyatt Denney, Ethan Askin, Alex Denney, and JD Horsley serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 1:00 PM until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made in Grady's memory to the Hickey House (c/o Daniel Irons). 130 Taylor Road, Helen, Georgia 30545

For those wishing to share their condolences, messages may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to handle the arrangements during this difficult time.