Grady Lee Manning

Grady Lee Manning (Los Angeles, California), affectionally known as “Buddy” by his loved ones, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at the home of his daughter, Tysha Manning, who was his primary caregiver during his 3-year fight with cancer.

Grady was born in Haynes, Oklahoma on November 20, 1940 to James and Maggie Manning, who preceded him in death, as did two brothers, Leon Manning (Linda) and James Manning, Jr. (Yolanda Gee).

Grady attended public schools in Kansas City, KS and graduated from Sumner High School in 1959. After high school he served 4 ½ years in the US Marine Corp where he achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and became the lightweight boxing champion of Camp Pendleton. Once he had served his country, Grady received an Associate’s Degree in Psychology from Kansas University.

Grady had a variety of jobs during his early years in Kansas City including the US Postal Service, General Motors and CertainTeed Company. He was the proud owner of Manning’s Floor Care of Los Angeles for more than 30 years until his illness forced him to retire and return to Kansas City.

He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Grady Manning, Jr. (Michelle L.) of Kansas City, KS and Jamie Royce Manning, Sr. of Overland Park, KS; one daughter, Tysha Jereda Manning of Kansas City, KS; one sister, Naomi Murphy Lang of Kansas City, KS; three brothers, John H.  Manning (Rosie) of Atlanta, GA, Dr. David Manning (Katherine) of Concord, CA, Alvester Manning of Kansas City, MO; an aunt, Fannie J. Russ of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, ShiKarra J. Manning, Trayvon T. Manning, Carl A. Manning, James C. Manning, Grady L. Manning, III, Justin O. Lorick, Javion M. Manning, Alycia D. Manning, Makayla M. Manning, all of Kansas City, KS, Jamie R. Manning, Jr., Joy L. Manning, Stacy L. Williams, Jamauz R. Manning, all of Overland Park, KS, Jasmine Y. Jones of Raytown, MO, Jalessa L. Young of Lee’s Summit, MO and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Grady was known for his strong work ethic, witty sense of humor, and his love of television westerns.

Buddy loved his family and was loved by all who knew him.

You’ve Just Walked on Ahead of Me

And I’ve got to understand

You must release the ones you love

And let go of their hand.

I try and cope the best I can

But I’m missing you so much

If I could only see you

And once more feel your touch.

Yes, you’ve just walked on ahead of me

Don’t worry I’ll be fine

But now and then I swear I feel

Your hand slip into mine.

--Joyce Grenfell

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