Grady Killian Hungate

Denham Springs, LA - "I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. In the future, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all those who have loved His appearing."

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Grady Killian Hungate, 79, a native of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and a resident of Denham Springs, Louisiana, passed away at 1:41 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Grady dedicated 41 years to the practice of pharmacy at Eckerd Drugs, which later became CVS, where he faithfully served and cared for countless customers over the years.

Grady attended the University of Tennessee and later earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Northeast Louisiana University. He was active in his profession and proudly served as president of the Capital Area Pharmacists Association, reflecting his dedication to the field of pharmacy and the community he served.

While attending pharmacy school, he met the love of his life, Ellen Drew Ellis, and the two were married for 53 years. Pharmacy became a shared calling for the family, as Grady, Ellen Drew, and their daughter Julie have all devoted their lives to the profession, caring for others and serving them through their work.

Grady was known for his determination, steady presence, and willingness to help anyone in need. He was an avid fisherman, a master at crossword puzzles, and a lifelong history buff who enjoyed sharing his stories and knowledge with family and friends. He also loved to travel and journeyed across the world, visiting six of the seven continents and taking several cruises that circled the globe. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life was marked by his love for his family and his commitment to serving those around him.

A wake will be held at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs on Friday, March 6, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday, March 7, at First United Methodist Church in Denham Springs from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Baton Rouge.

Grady is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ellen Drew Ellis Hungate; his daughter, Julie Hungate Taylor and husband Trevor Taylor; his grandchildren, Ella Taylor and Nicholas Taylor; and his siblings, Harry Hungate, Emmy Trammell, and Mary Ellen Boelhower. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Hungate and Louise Haight, and his brother, George Hungate.

Pallbearers will be Eric Trammell, Gregory Trammell, Jonathan Trammell, Brandon Genre, Mark Genre, and Trevor Taylor.

The family would like to thank all of those who took such amazing care of Grady, the ICU Units and Palliative Care Group at Our Lady of the Lake, Dr. Brian Gouri, Dr. Madeline Dills, Dr. Kelly Boussert, Dr. Terry Zellmer, Dr. Henry Patrick, and the staff at Louisiana Cardiology.

Grady's kindness, wisdom, and love for his family will live on in the many lives he touched throughout his life.