It is with both sadness and love that we share the passing of Grayson Lee Harralson. Born May 19, 1942 in Princeton, Kentucky, Grayson Lee was a true Southern Gentleman, who lived life to the fullest – leaving a legacy of loyalty, devotion, generosity, passion, and merriment. After a short illness, Grayson Lee died peacefully in his home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on September 6, 2023, having spent his final days with his wife and three children at his side.
Family and friends will remember Grayson Lee for his deep adoration and unwavering devotion to his wife of 55 years, Glennda “Tootsie” Harralson. Together, they were the life of the party, embracing every experience with gusto. He entrusts spirited memories to beloved friends, children, and grandchildren from their many escapades together.
For over 25 years, Grayson Lee led the national sales and marketing effort for the Harralson family textile mill in Princeton, Kentucky.
Grayson Lee was an amazingly learned, intelligent, and yet, quiet man. While not the most talkative person, Grayson Lee’s words were usually the most remembered and often included unsuspecting humor and wit. He had a thirst for current events and historical knowledge and humbly shared his wisdom with others. He was passionate about history, all things Kentucky, and, of course, horse racing. He and Glennda were patrons of Keeneland and Churchill Downs, and they traveled across the country enjoying thoroughbred racing. He created lifelong friends along his travels that often started with chance encounters, and most always included some extraordinary gesture of kindness from Grayson Lee. He was known far and wide for his generous spirit, always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need.
When his grandchildren were young, Grayson Lee (known as DeDa) and Tootsie hosted the family each summer at their beach home on Hilton Head Island, also known as Camp Tootsie. Later in life, he captained his recreation vehicle on epic months-long vacations, sharing his love of the West with Glennda and accumulating warm acquaintances along the way.
Grayson Lee was an engaging and charming man, changing lives wherever he went. He was a frequent traveler and especially loved visiting New York, relishing the vibrant energy of the city. Everywhere he visited, dining out allowed him to form connections with restaurant owners, staff, and customers – transforming every meal into an opportunity for close camaraderie over a glass of his favorite Beaujolais.
With heavy hearts we say goodbye to Grayson Lee, a man who lived life on his terms, embracing every moment with enthusiasm and zest. His legacy will live on through the myriad of memories he created, and the love he showed for his dear Glennda and family.
He is survived by his wife, Glennda Bright Harralson; his three children, Jefferson Lee Harralson (Christy), Rachel Thurman (Rob), Cherry MacTavish (Todd Cotter); his two brothers, Don Harralson (Judy), Howell Harralson (Nancy); his grandchildren, William MacTavish, Ansley Harralson, Preston MacTavish (Ashley), Grayson Davis Harralson, Finley Glenn Thurman, Amelia Harralson, Mary Virginia Harralson, Mary Collier Thurman, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Grayson Harralson, Jr. and Mary Agnes Harralson.
May he rest in eternal peace, forever remembered as a generous, engaging, and loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a dedicated professional and adventurer who knew how to make friends, celebrate life, and express his love through the most thoughtful acts, ensuring that everyone felt cherished and adored.
Funeral services will be held on September 14, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Morgan’s Funeral Home, 301 W. Washington St., Princeton, Kentucky. A celebration of life will be held on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina in Fall 2023.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Cancer Society.
