Mr. Gradis Lewis Jr.

A Life of Music, Entrepreneurship, Service, and Love

A Life Well Lived

Gradis Lewis Jr. was born on September 4, 1943, in Albany, Georgia, to the late Gradis Lewis Sr. and Elizabeth Lewis. Their only child, Gradis grew up in Albany, where he developed the ambition, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit that would define his extraordinary life.

A proud graduate of Monroe High School's Class of 1961, Gradis had dreams that extended far beyond his hometown. Shortly after graduation, he left Albany and headed to New York City to pursue his passion for music and a career as a professional musician.

Known professionally as Little Grady, he became the leader of the band Little Grady and the Soul Smokers, traveling across the country and sharing his musical talents with audiences far and wide. His song, Soul Smokin', made its way onto the Billboard charts in late 1970, marking a significant milestone in his musical career. More than five decades later, the song continues to enjoy popularity among soul music enthusiasts, particularly in Europe. His musical legacy stands as a testament to his creativity, talent, and willingness to pursue his dreams.

In 1979, Gradis returned to his beloved hometown of Albany, Georgia, bringing with him the same determination and entrepreneurial vision that had fueled his musical career. A true serial entrepreneur, he established several businesses throughout the community, including a television repair shop, an arcade, and a neighborhood grocery store. Never one to shy away from a new opportunity, Gradis believed in hard work, independence, and creating something meaningful through his own efforts.

In his later years, Gradis embarked on another fulfilling chapter of his professional journey as a proud employee of the City of Albany. He began his career in public transportation as a Transit bus driver, serving the residents of the community he called home. Through his dedication, reliability, and leadership, he advanced to a supervisory position within the department. His years of public service reflected his enduring work ethic and commitment to his community.

A Legacy of Love and Family

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gradis's greatest pride and joy was his family.

For 40 years, he shared his life with the love of his life, his late wife Flora Mae Caruthers Lewis. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, partnership, and devotion. Together, they built a family whose roots run deep and whose branches extend across generations.

Gradis was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished great-grandfather. His life was enriched by the love of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved daughters, Tricia Brown of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and Lethia Owens (André) of West Palm Beach, Florida; his son, Rodney Lewis of Albany, Georgia; and his stepchildren, Jerome Brown of Chicago, Illinois, and Amanda Brown of Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Gradis Lewis III (1977–2012); his parents, Gradis Lewis Sr. and Elizabeth Lewis; and his sister-in-law, Leathia Mae Baskin of Albany, Georgia.

Gradis was also a proud uncle to Leathia's children, Michelle Taylor Bush (Roderick) of Jacksonville, Florida, and the late Charles Baskin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Generations of Love

One of Gradis's greatest blessings was witnessing his family grow through multiple generations. His legacy lives on through his 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

His beloved grandchildren are:

LaTasha Miller (Brinson Miller), Aramis Bryant, Keion Brown (Whitney), Atarius Farmer (Makia), Diamond Young, Gimiaria Galexa Antownett Lewis, Jahieem Antwon Lewis, Sandra Aaliyah Lewis, Abigail Bernsier Lewis, Zoey Caramelia Lewis, Gracee Keturah Lewis, Amelia Lewis, Rybrianna Lewis, Qay'Shawn Mathis, Dre'Shawn Lewis, and Tre'Shawn Mathis.

His cherished great-grandchildren are:

Makayla Harris, William Owens, Avelino Baker Jr., Mikhail Te'von Williams, A'mour Naomi Stringer, Amariah Mathis Ross, Kassidy Brown, Xzavion Brown, Lem Brown, Keion Brown Jr., James Brown, Alaiya Brown, Ke'Ari Farmer, Angel Farmer, and Karter Farmer.

He also leaves behind his beloved great-nieces and great-nephew, Dontrell Taylor, Alexis Taylor, and Jasmine Taylor, along with a host of extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and those whose lives were touched by his music, work, and presence.

A Lasting Legacy

Gradis Lewis Jr. lived a life marked by ambition, resilience, creativity, and love. From the stages of the music world to the businesses he built in his hometown, and from his years of public service to the generations of family he helped shape, he demonstrated what it means to pursue opportunity, embrace change, and leave a lasting impact.

He was a man of many talents and many chapters, but through them all, his commitment to family remained a defining part of his story.

Although his earthly journey has come to an end, his legacy continues through the music that still moves listeners, the community he served, the lives he touched, and the family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

His music will continue to play. His legacy will continue to inspire. And his love will live on through generations.