Jerry Grace
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Jerry Wilson Grace was born on February 26, 1932, in Wolfe City, Texas to Homer Earl Grace and Frances Thelma Warren Grace. He passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2022, in Tyler, Texas at the age of 90 years. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, 10:00am at Hilliard Funeral Home, Van, Texas. A military graveside service will be held later the same day at 2:30pm at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.
He graduated from Wolfe City High School. In 1951 he enlisted in the Army Air National Guard and soon after he officially joined the United States Air Force. He married Evelyn Ruth Cook, from Rockwall, Texas, on June 19, 1955, at Carswell Air Force Base, Fort Worth, Texas.
While in the military Jerry flew all over the world. He was stationed in Tripoli, Libya in North Africa, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Texas. In 1966, he was deployed to Saigon, Vietnam. When stationed at Altus Air Force Base, he became chief of maintenance for the new C-5 Galaxy cargo plane, the largest plane in the world at the time.
In July 1974, after serving our country for 24 years, and reaching the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, he retired. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation for Meritorious Service, Vietnam Conflict Ribbon, Air Force Campaign Medal, Oak Leaf, and his beloved Air Force Wings.
He then moved his family to Pottsboro, Texas, where he obtained his real estate license and sold family homes and lake property in the Lake Texoma area for 15 years before retiring a second time.
With a life of service to others, Jerry continued serving his community for 20 years, alongside his wife, as volunteers with the Lakeway Christian Resale Barn in Pottsboro. He also served as a city council member, and as president and board member of the Pottsboro Chamber of Commerce. He was honored as Citizen of the Year in 1985. He volunteered at the Air Force Museum at old Perrin Air Force Base in Sherman. He and Evelyn were members of the Pacesetters Senior Adult group at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison where they enjoyed many trips with their friends.
Jerry loved his family dearly. His marriage to Evelyn lasted 67 years and their love and commitment to each other was beautiful. He was a Mr. Fit-It and loved woodworking and tinkering in his garage. He kept his cars and vehicles immaculate and was always asking his family if their cars were running well.
In his later years, he spent many hours watching and feeding the birds. His final few months he cherished the time he and Evelyn spent on the porch of daughter Lisa's house where they lived, watching the birds, and enjoying the peacefulness of her backyard.
Jerry was a man of honor, integrity and humor who loved the Lord, his family, and his country.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Warren Grace and Wallace Grace. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn of Van, Texas; three daughters Debra (Greg) Tuck of Newburgh, Indiana, Lisa (Cliff) Sawyer of Van, Vicki (Colby) Crockett of Clifton, sister, Jean Jordan of Denton, sister-in-law Nell Burt of Sachse, grandchildren Michael (Amanda) Atkins, Randy Atkins, Emily Sawyer, Andy Tuck, Nathan (Mayce) Tuck, Wes (Terah) Crockett, Shelby (Lance) Parker and Laramie Crockett; great grandson Jace Martin and great granddaughter Saya Atkins and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.