Passing of 1988 President G. Mead Grady, CCM
The Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Past President G. Mead Grady, CCM, on May 8, 2025. A treasured member of our community and a dedicated industry leader, Mead’s passing is profoundly felt across the Association and the broader club management profession.
He was born in Anderson, IN, on May 20, 1927, the son of George Francis Grady and Helen Mead Grady. He graduated from Anderson High School, Anderson, IN, in 1945 and soon thereafter was inducted into the US Army and served from 1945 through 1947. He spent a year assigned to the 88th Cavalry Recon Troop in the 88th Blue Devil Division stationed in northern Italy. After discharge he attended Ball State Teachers College in Muncie, IN.
Mead and his high school sweetheart, Joanne Ellis had a lifetime partnership marriage of 69 years. He was devoted to his beloved wife, Joanne and their two daughters, Cynthia and Melissa. Melissa, Cynthia, and Joanne, all preceded him in death.
He began his lifelong hospitality career in hotel management and his club career began in 1952. He managed private clubs in Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin before becoming the General Manager of The Commerce Club in Atlanta in 1981 and remained there until 1996 when he was appointed General Manager of Peachtree Golf Club. He retired from the Peachtree Golf Club in 2008.
A visionary and a mentor to many, Mead was a champion for CMAA and the club management profession He held leadership roles in CMAA Chapters in Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Georgia. He was among the first in the profession to earn the Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation in 1965 and was admitted to CMAA’s Honor Society in 1980. He chaired many national committees, served on the National Board of Directors, and led the Association as National President in 1988. His commitment extended to service on The Club Foundation Board of Governors and the Georgia State University Industry Board.
Beyond professional achievements, Mead was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fly fishing with his close friend and fellow club management professional, Chris Borders, CCM, and others in many mountain streams of Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky; gardening, and being with friends on the Peachtree Golf Club golf course. He was active in the Peachtree Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder.
Mead is survived by grandsons Justin Borem (Sarah), Jason Borem (Stephanie); and Christopher Borem; granddaughters Corri Parker and Danielle Holland (Neal); five great granddaughters and three great grandsons; and a nephew and three nieces.
The CMAA community honors the memory of a leader, mentor, and friend whose life’s work shaped our profession and inspired countless club managers. His warmth, wisdom, and service leave a lasting legacy.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday June 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Kellet Chapel of the Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Road.
