Mr. Gradie Herman Townsend, age 88, of Catawba Terrace, Lenoir, passed away Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Hickory Falls Rehab Center in Granite Falls. Born May 22, 1934 in Watauga County, he was a son of Jason Alexander and Essie Townsend. Mr. Townsend was a life-long member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church. He retired as an inspector at Bradington-Young Furniture in Catawba County. His greatest joy in life was raising his family and tending to the grandchildren and he loved working in his garden, wood crafting, building furniture and re-upholstering furniture. He is survived by his daughters, Denise Danner and husband, David, of Drexel and Deloris Calloway and husband, Jon, of Granite Falls; his son, Dennis Townsend and wife, Fran, of Lenoir; grandchildren, Brandon Townsend and wife, Jen, Brittney Frazier and husband, Matt, Kayla Danner, Zac Calloway and wife, Madeline, and Lea Calloway, and great-granddaughter, Bailey Grace Frazier; sister, Rosa Greene and husband, Vernon, of Lenoir and brother, Chester Townsend and wife, Virleen of Hickory. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Hazel Marie Townsend; infant daughter; five sisters, Louise, Cora, Macie Townsend, Gracie Mitchell, and Texie Townsend; and two brothers, Claude and Earl Townsend. Funeral services for Gradie Townsend will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, June 29th, at 2 o'clock, at the Holy Communion Lutheran Church, officiated by Rev. Jonathan Weant. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1 until 2 o'clock, one hour prior to services, at the church. Graveside services will follow in the Holy Communion Church Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the Holy Communion Lutheran Church Building Fund or to the Holy Communion Church Emergency Medical Fund, in care of Denise Danner, Post Office Box 506, Valdese, NC 28690. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Townsend family.