Dr. James Grady LOCKLEAR, PhD^{[1, 2, 3, 4]}

1944 - 2023  (79 years)

• Name	James Grady LOCKLEAR
  Prefix	Dr.
  Suffix	PhD
  Birth	27 Jun 1944  [2]
  Gender	Male
  HIST	of Sumter, South Carolina DR. J. GRADY LOCKLEAR Posted Thursday, October 5, 2023 6:00 am LAURINBURG, North Carolina - Dr. J. Grady Locklear, PhD, of Sumter, passed away at his home on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Many drift quietly, measuring out their lives in coffee spoons. Grady was not cut from passive fabric. He devoured his hours and days with relish. He slept little often awakening at 3 to embrace the opportunities at hand perhaps transforming fresh fruit into dozens of pies to be wrapped in reams of foil and given to neighbors, friends and colleagues perhaps evaluating scholastic literary-art magazines, lending his expertise, insight and encouragement to students and journalistic sponsors across the nation, editing college applications or writing endorsements for youngsters seeking scholarship assistance. With the breaking of the dawn, Grady's keen senses would become even more energized to drink in the music of the songbirds, Aurora's awakening and the tapestry of his English garden, the product of his artistic vision and countless hours of sweat equity. Yet, in his later years, Grady came to recognize that it was God's Garden; humbly he identified himself as merely the caretaker. "The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." Psalm 16:6 Grady's parents were serious farmers; their livelihood arose from their sweat upon the soil. Although Grady developed into a renaissance man, he never lost his affinity for the land or for his bloodline, many of whom remained yoked to the soil. "Mama" was the primary influence upon Grady's formative years. At Mrs. Locklear's apron, he learned the art of baking from cornbread to cobblers to cakes. Even more importantly, "Mama" steadfastly exhibited love of neighbors as well as the stranger at the door; these life lessons were not lost on Grady. He learned early to embrace demanding physical work as well as academic rigors. He was instilled with a love for the colors that sprung from the earth and the beauty with which they enriched his life. These ongoing observances of a purposeful life were ingrained into Grady's character. Although the Locklear clan was extensive, Grady's much larger family emerged through affinity rather than through blood. In explanation, Grady became the consummate mentor; the passion for shaping hearts and minds transcended his vocation; this calling became his life. Often, by the time the bell rang signaling the beginning of classes, Grady had been hard at work for hours for the benefit of those fortunate enough to be in his classes. Students recognized the investment that Grady was making in them and, accordingly, gravitated toward him. They would voluntarily gather at his home to wrap hot dogs for the Friday evening game, to work on the incomparable Signature literature-art magazine, to love on the TMD youngsters during the holidays or simply to enjoy sweet delights from Grady's oven. As testament of this bond, an extraordinary number of these young men and women remained in contact with their friend/mentor through frequent visits, telephone marathons, letters and social media. Many attributed their successful careers to the work ethic and values which Grady had instilled in them. Grady, with an exhaustive list of accomplishments in community service and academia, was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater; he was recognized as South Carolina teacher of the year. Compelling national and state awards and recognitions were showered upon him. Although Dr. Locklear was pleased by these honors, they paled in contrast to the decades of relationships he had established and maintained with his students and colleagues. "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:15 Grady was married to his work, and, of course, his students were the essence of his profession. Accordingly, he gave them the most precious gift that any of us could give - his time. Whether foreign exchange students or his corps of then-emerging scholars, almost all felt the joy of a second home on Calhoun Street. When Grady was not expending his energy in the service of his youthful charges, he would become engaged with his wide circle of friends. He would take home-baked goods to neighbors or visit individuals in Tuomey. In particular, he embraced the elderly who had outlived their circle of friends or who were often lonely and perhaps under-appreciated by their families. However, the cost of extending his family was heavy; he attended far too many wakes and funerals. He once confided in a colleague that he had to seek younger friends because he could no longer continue to bury people he loved. To honor them and to support palliative care for the ill, he grasped the initiative of spearheading fundraisers for local hospice. Those who befriended Dr. Locklear well knew that it was impossible to out give him. Almost without exception, guests departed his home with delicious gifts from his kitchen or beautiful selections from his garden. Rather than hollow words, Grady supplied feet to his love. Grady is survived by his brothers, James Perry "JP" Locklear Jr. and Richard Nixon Locklear, both of Laurinburg, North Carolina; a sister, Elsie Locklear Lockey of Laurinburg; sister-in-law, Betty Jean Clark Locklear of Laurinburg; in addition to a host of nieces, nephews and loving family. Along with his parents, Grady was preceded in death by a brother, George "Griffin" Locklear; and sister, Judy Locklear Bowen. Graveside services were held on Tuesday in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Laurinburg. Services entrusted to Richard Boles Funeral Service of Laurinburg. James "Grady" Locklear June 27, 1944 ~ September 30, 2023 (age 79) 38 New Posts Obituary & Services Tribute Wall Obituary Dr. J. Grady Locklear, PhD, of Sumter, South Carolina passed away at his home on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Many drift quietly measuring out their lives in coffee spoons.  Grady was not cut from passive fabric.  He devoured his hours and days with relish.  He slept little…often awakening at three to embrace the opportunities at hand…perhaps transforming fresh fruit into dozens of pies to be wrapped in reams of foil and given to neighbors, friends, and colleagues…perhaps evaluating scholastic literary-art magazines, lending his expertise, insight, and encouragement to students and journalistic sponsors across the nation, editing college applications, or writing endorsements for youngsters seeking scholarship assistance. With the breaking of the dawn, Grady’s keen senses would become even more energized to drink in the music of the songbirds, Aurora’s awakening, and the tapestry of his English garden, the product of his artistic vision and countless hours of sweat equity.  Yet, in his later years, Grady came to recognize that it was God’s Garden; humbly he identified himself as merely the caretaker.  “The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.”  (Psalm 16:6) Grady’s parents were serious farmers; their livelihood arose from their sweat upon the soil.   Although Grady developed into a renaissance man, he never lost his affinity for the land or for his blood line, many of whom remained yoked to the soil.   Mama was the primary influence upon Grady’s formative years.  At Mrs. Locklear’s apron, he learned the art of baking…from cornbread to cobblers to cakes. Even more importantly, Mama steadfastly exhibited love of neighbors as well as the stranger at the door; these life lessons were not lost on Grady.  He learned early to embrace demanding physical work as well as academic rigors. He was instilled with a love for the colors that sprung from the earth and the beauty with which they enriched his life. These ongoing observances of a purposeful life were ingrained into Grady’s character. Although the Locklear clan was extensive, Grady’s much larger family emerged through affinity rather than through blood.  In explanation, Grady became the consummate mentor; the passion for shaping hearts and minds transcended his vocation; this calling became his life. Often, by the time the bell rang signaling the beginning of classes, Grady had been hard at work for hours for the benefit of those fortunate enough to be in his classes.  Students recognized the investment that Grady was making in them and accordingly gravitated toward him.  They would voluntarily gather at his home to wrap hotdogs for the Friday evening game, to work on the incomparable Signature literature-art magazine, to love on the TMD youngsters during the holidays, or simply to enjoy sweet delights from Grady’s oven.  As testament of this bond, an extraordinary number of these young men and women remained in contact with their friend/mentor through frequent visits, telephone marathons, letters, and social media.  Many attributed their successful careers to the work ethic and values which Grady had instilled in them. Grady, with an exhaustive list of accomplishments in community service and academia, was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater; he was recognized as South Carolina teacher of the year. Compelling national and state awards and recognitions were showered upon him.   Although Dr. Locklear was pleased by these honors, they paled in contrast to the decades of relationships he had established and maintained with his students and colleagues. “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”  (I Corinthians 13:15) Grady was married to his work, and, of course, his students were the essence of his profession.  Accordingly, he gave them the most precious gift that any of us could give—his time.  Whether foreign exchange students or his corps of then-emerging scholars, almost all felt the joy of a second home on Calhoun Street.  When Grady was not expending his energy in the service of his youthful charges, he would become engaged with his wide circle of friends.  He would take home-baked goods to neighbors or visit individuals in Tuomey.  In particular, he embraced the elderly who had outlived their circle of friends or who were often lonely and perhaps under- appreciated by their families.  However, the cost of extending his family was heavy; he attended far too many wakes and funerals.  He once confided in a colleague that he had to seek younger friends because he could no longer continue to bury people he loved.  To honor them and to support palliative care for the ill, he grasped the initiative of spearheading fund-raisers for local Hospice. Those who befriended Dr. Locklear well knew that it was impossible to out give him.  Almost without exception, guests departed his home with delicious gifts from his kitchen or beautiful selections from his garden.  Rather than hollow words, Grady supplied feet to his love. Grady is survived by his brothers, James Perry "JP" Locklear, Jr., Richard Nixon Locklear, and sister, Elsie Locklear Lockey; sister-in-law, Betty Jean Clark Locklear, all of Laurinburg; in addition to a host of nieces, nephews and loving family.  Along with his parents, Grady is preceded in death by brother, George "Griffin" Locklear and sister, Judy Locklear Bowen.  Services will be held at graveside 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.   Family will receive friends following the service at graveside.  JAMES 'GRADY' LOCKLEAR • 1944 - 2023 Former students, colleagues cherish legacy of Sumter educator J. Grady Locklear J. Grady Locklear lounges in his garden. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY TRACI QUINN Posted Thursday, October 12, 2023 6:00 am BY ALAYSHA MAPLE alaysha@theitem.com Blanding Jones remembers his first day of AP English three decades ago vividly. As he patiently waited inside one of the many classrooms at Sumter High School, his curiosity piqued as in walks his teacher, cradling a small stack of books. After placing them on a solid surface, the educator disappears, only to reappear moments later - ushered in by a wave and a gasp - with a second, taller stack of books in hand. What Jones thought would be a challenge of his academic capabilities became one of the many reasons he - and many others - grew to love and admire the late James "Grady" Locklear. Born June 27, 1944, in Laurinburg, Locklear was raised by "serious farmers," ones whose livelihood "arose from their sweat upon soil," as described by his dear friend Paul Thomas. His mother had a large impact on his formative years, teaching him the art of baking and how to keep an open mind, heart and home for those around him. Molded by her domesticated nature, Locklear's character was engraved with a love and tenacity for what Earth had to offer and how he could share it with those he loved dearly - which included his students. The Wofford College graduate-turned-English teacher and department chair at Sumter High wasn't in the business to just "teach." His zeal for shaping the minds of tomorrow went beyond just showing and explaining how to write a proper term paper. His passion as an educator was fueled by his desire to change lives, break boundaries and explore the raw talent buried beneath the doubt and uncertainty of youth. "In the classroom, he was tough as nails; he was old-fashioned," Jones recalled, reliving the lessons of the Renaissance and Shakespeare, inspired by his numerous travels to Europe to witness the artistry firsthand. "I've always thought that Sumter has been a little bit of unusual place and that [it's] produced a lot of outstanding people in all walks of life. I felt surrounded by a lot of talent [ ] Grady knew that talent was there. He got to those students and helped them realize their potential and encouraged them to shoot for something that they never thought that they could get in life or in their next step of education." The give-and-take relationship of Locklear and his students left a signature on both parties - one so significant that it warranted a publication of its own. Founded in 1967, "Signature," Sumter High's literary magazine, put words to passion, showcasing the facets of life in Sumter not widely known or often talked about. The student editorial board was skilled in photography, art, design, editing - Jones served as its editor in 1988 - and would be recognized for their dedication, including the Medalist Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the All-Southern Award from the Southern Interscholastic Press Association, the Palmetto Award and the All-State Award from the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association. Locklear ate, slept and breathed around the betterment of this publication. "The thing about Grady that I appreciated while on Signature was that he saw that everybody had something different to contribute to the magazine. I think many times students were competitive about who would get editor or who would get what, but in the end, he was just as concerned about doing a community piece on someone, highlighting a student's poem or student's photography or art," Jones explained. "I think the magazine was his gift to the community and to Sumter High because I think he realized how rich the history was and the variety of people and how talented students were." When he wasn't awake until the wee hours of the morning - friends and colleagues remember seeing his classroom lights aglow among the dark campus - planning and perfecting the publication's pages, he was investing his time into the students of the Key Club, encouraging exploration of their full potential in and outside of the classroom. However, his investment in the lives of his students wasn't an exclusive perk. "Our whole English department was very close, and part of it is leadership; he was the leader, and if we had a problem, we'd go see him about it," reminisced Bonnie Disney, a lifelong educator who is retired and a former appointed Sumter School District board trustee in July 2017. Locklear taught her children, so she was familiar with his distinct teaching style. But his devotion as a leader and a friend was undeniably special. His opinions shared among the informal roundtable in the teacher's lounge or within the student-free classrooms brought Disney to two conclusions about her dear friend: Conversations with Locklear were a safe space for vulnerability and "the world would be better if they would listen to us" - her fond laughter punctuating the sentence. Outside of the classroom, Locklear could be found among the floral ornaments in his backyard. The English-style garden was adorned with an assortment of colorful flora that popped against the lush greenery. Benches of distinct styles and material provided an ideal resting place, each seat being the best in the garden to take in the nurtured view. Fountains, unique in tones and texture but beautiful all the same, seeped their rhythmic trickling into the serene sounds among Grady's Garden. Dear friends of Locklear witnessed firsthand how he cared for his flora, spending countless afternoons with him under the shade of his trees, jotting down mental notes to become half the gardener he was. "His love of art can be seen in his garden. He was a master gardener," Thomas stated. "He could tell you every plant that was in there and how many generations it went back. Where we would spend money on trucks or cars or this, that or the other, he spent it on his garden." "My garden is a special place of peace and harmony. I share it with my closest friends like God shares it with me." Words carved into a stone among the greenery in the garden. But Locklear shared more than just his garden. He shared his passions: passion for learning, passion for living and passion for loving the life we're all awarded. Many of his former students, who went on to explore greener pastures in big cities, would venture home every once in a while, and every time, a nonnegotiable visit was paid to Locklear. Shaded in his garden or whipping up a delicious Southern meal in his kitchen is where they often found him. Conversations of life's past, present and future would ensue, filled with reminiscing and fantasizing about what was and what would soon be. Locklear left a signature - his signature - on his community. It's a distinct signature, written with profound ink, signed, sealed and delivered unto the heartstrings of all those who love him. "Grady" departed on Sept. 30. He was 77. SIDEBAR The friends and family of Locklear will host a memorial service and Celebration of Life for J. Grady Locklear on Oct. 15 at Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St., at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the Booth reception room. Honorariums can be made to the James Grady Locklear Endowed Scholarship at Wofford College at Wofford College Philanthropy and Engagement, 429 N Church St., Spartanburg, S.C. 29303 or by visiting wofford.edu.  [1, 2, 3, 4]
  HIST	of Sumter, South Carolina DR. J. GRADY LOCKLEAR Posted Thursday, October 5, 2023 6:00 am LAURINBURG, North Carolina - Dr. J. Grady Locklear, PhD, of Sumter, passed away at his home on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Many drift quietly, measuring out their lives in coffee spoons. Grady was not cut from passive fabric. He devoured his hours and days with relish. He slept little often awakening at 3 to embrace the opportunities at hand perhaps transforming fresh fruit into dozens of pies to be wrapped in reams of foil and given to neighbors, friends and colleagues perhaps evaluating scholastic literary-art magazines, lending his expertise, insight and encouragement to students and journalistic sponsors across the nation, editing college applications or writing endorsements for youngsters seeking scholarship assistance. With the breaking of the dawn, Grady's keen senses would become even more energized to drink in the music of the songbirds, Aurora's awakening and the tapestry of his English garden, the product of his artistic vision and countless hours of sweat equity. Yet, in his later years, Grady came to recognize that it was God's Garden; humbly he identified himself as merely the caretaker. "The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." Psalm 16:6 Grady's parents were serious farmers; their livelihood arose from their sweat upon the soil. Although Grady developed into a renaissance man, he never lost his affinity for the land or for his bloodline, many of whom remained yoked to the soil. "Mama" was the primary influence upon Grady's formative years. At Mrs. Locklear's apron, he learned the art of baking from cornbread to cobblers to cakes. Even more importantly, "Mama" steadfastly exhibited love of neighbors as well as the stranger at the door; these life lessons were not lost on Grady. He learned early to embrace demanding physical work as well as academic rigors. He was instilled with a love for the colors that sprung from the earth and the beauty with which they enriched his life. These ongoing observances of a purposeful life were ingrained into Grady's character. Although the Locklear clan was extensive, Grady's much larger family emerged through affinity rather than through blood. In explanation, Grady became the consummate mentor; the passion for shaping hearts and minds transcended his vocation; this calling became his life. Often, by the time the bell rang signaling the beginning of classes, Grady had been hard at work for hours for the benefit of those fortunate enough to be in his classes. Students recognized the investment that Grady was making in them and, accordingly, gravitated toward him. They would voluntarily gather at his home to wrap hot dogs for the Friday evening game, to work on the incomparable Signature literature-art magazine, to love on the TMD youngsters during the holidays or simply to enjoy sweet delights from Grady's oven. As testament of this bond, an extraordinary number of these young men and women remained in contact with their friend/mentor through frequent visits, telephone marathons, letters and social media. Many attributed their successful careers to the work ethic and values which Grady had instilled in them. Grady, with an exhaustive list of accomplishments in community service and academia, was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater; he was recognized as South Carolina teacher of the year. Compelling national and state awards and recognitions were showered upon him. Although Dr. Locklear was pleased by these honors, they paled in contrast to the decades of relationships he had established and maintained with his students and colleagues. "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:15 Grady was married to his work, and, of course, his students were the essence of his profession. Accordingly, he gave them the most precious gift that any of us could give - his time. Whether foreign exchange students or his corps of then-emerging scholars, almost all felt the joy of a second home on Calhoun Street. When Grady was not expending his energy in the service of his youthful charges, he would become engaged with his wide circle of friends. He would take home-baked goods to neighbors or visit individuals in Tuomey. In particular, he embraced the elderly who had outlived their circle of friends or who were often lonely and perhaps under-appreciated by their families. However, the cost of extending his family was heavy; he attended far too many wakes and funerals. He once confided in a colleague that he had to seek younger friends because he could no longer continue to bury people he loved. To honor them and to support palliative care for the ill, he grasped the initiative of spearheading fundraisers for local hospice. Those who befriended Dr. Locklear well knew that it was impossible to out give him. Almost without exception, guests departed his home with delicious gifts from his kitchen or beautiful selections from his garden. Rather than hollow words, Grady supplied feet to his love. Grady is survived by his brothers, James Perry "JP" Locklear Jr. and Richard Nixon Locklear, both of Laurinburg, North Carolina; a sister, Elsie Locklear Lockey of Laurinburg; sister-in-law, Betty Jean Clark Locklear of Laurinburg; in addition to a host of nieces, nephews and loving family. Along with his parents, Grady was preceded in death by a brother, George "Griffin" Locklear; and sister, Judy Locklear Bowen. Graveside services were held on Tuesday in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Laurinburg. Services entrusted to Richard Boles Funeral Service of Laurinburg. James "Grady" Locklear June 27, 1944 ~ September 30, 2023 (age 79) 38 New Posts Obituary & Services Tribute Wall Obituary Dr. J. Grady Locklear, PhD, of Sumter, South Carolina passed away at his home on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Many drift quietly measuring out their lives in coffee spoons.  Grady was not cut from passive fabric.  He devoured his hours and days with relish.  He slept little…often awakening at three to embrace the opportunities at hand…perhaps transforming fresh fruit into dozens of pies to be wrapped in reams of foil and given to neighbors, friends, and colleagues…perhaps evaluating scholastic literary-art magazines, lending his expertise, insight, and encouragement to students and journalistic sponsors across the nation, editing college applications, or writing endorsements for youngsters seeking scholarship assistance. With the breaking of the dawn, Grady’s keen senses would become even more energized to drink in the music of the songbirds, Aurora’s awakening, and the tapestry of his English garden, the product of his artistic vision and countless hours of sweat equity.  Yet, in his later years, Grady came to recognize that it was God’s Garden; humbly he identified himself as merely the caretaker.  “The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.”  (Psalm 16:6) Grady’s parents were serious farmers; their livelihood arose from their sweat upon the soil.   Although Grady developed into a renaissance man, he never lost his affinity for the land or for his blood line, many of whom remained yoked to the soil.   Mama was the primary influence upon Grady’s formative years.  At Mrs. Locklear’s apron, he learned the art of baking…from cornbread to cobblers to cakes. Even more importantly, Mama steadfastly exhibited love of neighbors as well as the stranger at the door; these life lessons were not lost on Grady.  He learned early to embrace demanding physical work as well as academic rigors. He was instilled with a love for the colors that sprung from the earth and the beauty with which they enriched his life. These ongoing observances of a purposeful life were ingrained into Grady’s character. Although the Locklear clan was extensive, Grady’s much larger family emerged through affinity rather than through blood.  In explanation, Grady became the consummate mentor; the passion for shaping hearts and minds transcended his vocation; this calling became his life. Often, by the time the bell rang signaling the beginning of classes, Grady had been hard at work for hours for the benefit of those fortunate enough to be in his classes.  Students recognized the investment that Grady was making in them and accordingly gravitated toward him.  They would voluntarily gather at his home to wrap hotdogs for the Friday evening game, to work on the incomparable Signature literature-art magazine, to love on the TMD youngsters during the holidays, or simply to enjoy sweet delights from Grady’s oven.  As testament of this bond, an extraordinary number of these young men and women remained in contact with their friend/mentor through frequent visits, telephone marathons, letters, and social media.  Many attributed their successful careers to the work ethic and values which Grady had instilled in them. Grady, with an exhaustive list of accomplishments in community service and academia, was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater; he was recognized as South Carolina teacher of the year. Compelling national and state awards and recognitions were showered upon him.   Although Dr. Locklear was pleased by these honors, they paled in contrast to the decades of relationships he had established and maintained with his students and colleagues. “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”  (I Corinthians 13:15) Grady was married to his work, and, of course, his students were the essence of his profession.  Accordingly, he gave them the most precious gift that any of us could give—his time.  Whether foreign exchange students or his corps of then-emerging scholars, almost all felt the joy of a second home on Calhoun Street.  When Grady was not expending his energy in the service of his youthful charges, he would become engaged with his wide circle of friends.  He would take home-baked goods to neighbors or visit individuals in Tuomey.  In particular, he embraced the elderly who had outlived their circle of friends or who were often lonely and perhaps under- appreciated by their families.  However, the cost of extending his family was heavy; he attended far too many wakes and funerals.  He once confided in a colleague that he had to seek younger friends because he could no longer continue to bury people he loved.  To honor them and to support palliative care for the ill, he grasped the initiative of spearheading fund-raisers for local Hospice. Those who befriended Dr. Locklear well knew that it was impossible to out give him.  Almost without exception, guests departed his home with delicious gifts from his kitchen or beautiful selections from his garden.  Rather than hollow words, Grady supplied feet to his love. Grady is survived by his brothers, James Perry "JP" Locklear, Jr., Richard Nixon Locklear, and sister, Elsie Locklear Lockey; sister-in-law, Betty Jean Clark Locklear, all of Laurinburg; in addition to a host of nieces, nephews and loving family.  Along with his parents, Grady is preceded in death by brother, George "Griffin" Locklear and sister, Judy Locklear Bowen.  Services will be held at graveside 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.   Family will receive friends following the service at graveside.  JAMES 'GRADY' LOCKLEAR • 1944 - 2023 Former students, colleagues cherish legacy of Sumter educator J. Grady Locklear J. Grady Locklear lounges in his garden. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY TRACI QUINN Posted Thursday, October 12, 2023 6:00 am BY ALAYSHA MAPLE alaysha@theitem.com Blanding Jones remembers his first day of AP English three decades ago vividly. As he patiently waited inside one of the many classrooms at Sumter High School, his curiosity piqued as in walks his teacher, cradling a small stack of books. After placing them on a solid surface, the educator disappears, only to reappear moments later - ushered in by a wave and a gasp - with a second, taller stack of books in hand. What Jones thought would be a challenge of his academic capabilities became one of the many reasons he - and many others - grew to love and admire the late James "Grady" Locklear. Born June 27, 1944, in Laurinburg, Locklear was raised by "serious farmers," ones whose livelihood "arose from their sweat upon soil," as described by his dear friend Paul Thomas. His mother had a large impact on his formative years, teaching him the art of baking and how to keep an open mind, heart and home for those around him. Molded by her domesticated nature, Locklear's character was engraved with a love and tenacity for what Earth had to offer and how he could share it with those he loved dearly - which included his students. The Wofford College graduate-turned-English teacher and department chair at Sumter High wasn't in the business to just "teach." His zeal for shaping the minds of tomorrow went beyond just showing and explaining how to write a proper term paper. His passion as an educator was fueled by his desire to change lives, break boundaries and explore the raw talent buried beneath the doubt and uncertainty of youth. "In the classroom, he was tough as nails; he was old-fashioned," Jones recalled, reliving the lessons of the Renaissance and Shakespeare, inspired by his numerous travels to Europe to witness the artistry firsthand. "I've always thought that Sumter has been a little bit of unusual place and that [it's] produced a lot of outstanding people in all walks of life. I felt surrounded by a lot of talent [ ] Grady knew that talent was there. He got to those students and helped them realize their potential and encouraged them to shoot for something that they never thought that they could get in life or in their next step of education." The give-and-take relationship of Locklear and his students left a signature on both parties - one so significant that it warranted a publication of its own. Founded in 1967, "Signature," Sumter High's literary magazine, put words to passion, showcasing the facets of life in Sumter not widely known or often talked about. The student editorial board was skilled in photography, art, design, editing - Jones served as its editor in 1988 - and would be recognized for their dedication, including the Medalist Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the All-Southern Award from the Southern Interscholastic Press Association, the Palmetto Award and the All-State Award from the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association. Locklear ate, slept and breathed around the betterment of this publication. "The thing about Grady that I appreciated while on Signature was that he saw that everybody had something different to contribute to the magazine. I think many times students were competitive about who would get editor or who would get what, but in the end, he was just as concerned about doing a community piece on someone, highlighting a student's poem or student's photography or art," Jones explained. "I think the magazine was his gift to the community and to Sumter High because I think he realized how rich the history was and the variety of people and how talented students were." When he wasn't awake until the wee hours of the morning - friends and colleagues remember seeing his classroom lights aglow among the dark campus - planning and perfecting the publication's pages, he was investing his time into the students of the Key Club, encouraging exploration of their full potential in and outside of the classroom. However, his investment in the lives of his students wasn't an exclusive perk. "Our whole English department was very close, and part of it is leadership; he was the leader, and if we had a problem, we'd go see him about it," reminisced Bonnie Disney, a lifelong educator who is retired and a former appointed Sumter School District board trustee in July 2017. Locklear taught her children, so she was familiar with his distinct teaching style. But his devotion as a leader and a friend was undeniably special. His opinions shared among the informal roundtable in the teacher's lounge or within the student-free classrooms brought Disney to two conclusions about her dear friend: Conversations with Locklear were a safe space for vulnerability and "the world would be better if they would listen to us" - her fond laughter punctuating the sentence. Outside of the classroom, Locklear could be found among the floral ornaments in his backyard. The English-style garden was adorned with an assortment of colorful flora that popped against the lush greenery. Benches of distinct styles and material provided an ideal resting place, each seat being the best in the garden to take in the nurtured view. Fountains, unique in tones and texture but beautiful all the same, seeped their rhythmic trickling into the serene sounds among Grady's Garden. Dear friends of Locklear witnessed firsthand how he cared for his flora, spending countless afternoons with him under the shade of his trees, jotting down mental notes to become half the gardener he was. "His love of art can be seen in his garden. He was a master gardener," Thomas stated. "He could tell you every plant that was in there and how many generations it went back. Where we would spend money on trucks or cars or this, that or the other, he spent it on his garden." "My garden is a special place of peace and harmony. I share it with my closest friends like God shares it with me." Words carved into a stone among the greenery in the garden. But Locklear shared more than just his garden. He shared his passions: passion for learning, passion for living and passion for loving the life we're all awarded. Many of his former students, who went on to explore greener pastures in big cities, would venture home every once in a while, and every time, a nonnegotiable visit was paid to Locklear. Shaded in his garden or whipping up a delicious Southern meal in his kitchen is where they often found him. Conversations of life's past, present and future would ensue, filled with reminiscing and fantasizing about what was and what would soon be. Locklear left a signature - his signature - on his community. It's a distinct signature, written with profound ink, signed, sealed and delivered unto the heartstrings of all those who love him. "Grady" departed on Sept. 30. He was 77. SIDEBAR The friends and family of Locklear will host a memorial service and Celebration of Life for J. Grady Locklear on Oct. 15 at Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St., at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the Booth reception room. Honorariums can be made to the James Grady Locklear Endowed Scholarship at Wofford College at Wofford College Philanthropy and Engagement, 429 N Church St., Spartanburg, S.C. 29303 or by visiting wofford.edu.
  _UID	3DC6F0CCAA544497904397CF52A5C28C16A2
  _UID	3DC6F0CCAA544497904397CF52A5C28C16A2
  Death	30 Sep 2023	at his home, (Laurinburg, North Carolina)
  Burial	3 Oct 2023	Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Laurinburg, North Carolina   [1]
  	Richard Boles Funeral Service of Laurinburg, North Carolina Richard Boles Funeral Service of Laurinburg, North Carolina
  Person ID	I342398	Singleton and Related Families
  Last Modified	23 Oct 2023

  
  

  Father	James Perry LOCKLEAR, Sr.   d. Bef 30 Sep 2023
  Mother	Bertha OXENDINE   d. Bef 30 Sep 2023
  _UID	73B4ACDD86204CA98B2F0F9EA3C9DB120BAE
  _UID	73B4ACDD86204CA98B2F0F9EA3C9DB120BAE
  Family ID	F228544	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Sources

  [S31265] Dr. J. Grady Locklear. [S31266] . [S31267] . [S31328] James “Grady” Locklear 1944-2023 - Former students, colleagues cherish legacy of Sumter educator Locklear.