For the second time in less than a week, Demorest is mourning the loss of a former longtime public official.
Grady Tench, who served on the city council for 24 years, died Saturday, September 26. He was admitted to the hospital earlier this month with COVID-19. Tench was 92 years old.
Tench, along with former longtime mayor Malcolm Hunnicutt who passed away on September 24, was instrumental in expanding the Demorest water system. He remained active in the community up until his illness and death.
Demorest Mayor Rick Austin expressed “deep sadness” upon learning of the former councilman’s passing. He says Tench was an “iconic” leader who cared deeply for the City of Demorest and its citizens.
“We are ever grateful for the indelible mark he left on the lives of so many. At 92 years of age, Grady was still an active participant in our city meetings. He cared for the direction and future of our city. We are appreciative of his exemplary service and he will be missed,” Austin says.
Tench was a United States Army veteran who retired from Clarkesville Mill after 42 years. He is survived by two sons, a granddaughter, and two great-grandsons.
