Graden Clifton "Grady" Burke of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2012, in his home. He was born May 1, 1920 in Cecil, Arkansas to the late Joseph Spencer Burke and Bertha Ellen (Shaw) Burke. He was 91 years old.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Wilma (Raney) Burke, and sister, Wilma Van Meter.

As a child, Grady lived in Cecil, Bloomer, and Auburn. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1938 and Draughon's Business School. After serving in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, he was employed with Johnston Transfer & Storage/North American Van Lines for 22 years and Randall Ford for 34 years until retirement in 2004. Since then he was associated with Sallisaw Ford. He loved calling on his customers, finding the right car and providing excellent customer service. He won numerous awards during his sales career.

Grady was an elder and faithful member of Marietta Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Charleston, a member of the Charleston Lodge #155, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Shriners Club, and Amrita Grotto. He was past member of UCT Club and Kiwanis Club and past president of the Arkansas Consumer Credit Association and International Consumer Credit Association District 7.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 18th at Marietta Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Charleston, with Rev. Vondal Davenport officiating. Burial will be at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Charleston, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Charleston.

He is survived by his companion, Hautene Beach of Fort Smith; his daughter, Rebecca Faldon of Fort Smith; two grandsons, Scott Faldon and wife Jennifer of Fort Smith and Mark Faldon and wife Sarah of Springdale; two great-granddaughters, Erin and Paige; one sister, Oweta Neuhauser of Sandwich, Illinois, and long-time friend whom he called "My Brother", Charlie Daniel of Roland, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be Tom McMellon, Charlie Daniel, David Valentini, Keith Lux, Bob Beach, Rick Beach, Fred Freeman, and Steve Jones.

Honorary pallbearers will be elders and members of Marietta Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Family will visit with friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday night at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Marietta Cumberland Presbyterian Church @ 2604 West Hwy.22 Charleston, AR 72933 or charity of choice.

To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.