William Richard Grace Jr., 76 passed away peacefully on May 8, 2024, at His Sons Home in Fernandina Beach FL. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda Jean Peck, Father William Richard Grace Sr., Mother, Helen Elizabeth Graham and his older sister Elizabeth Ann Berke.
William was born on August 30, 1948, in Framingham MA to the late William R. Grace Sr. and Helen E. Graham. He grew up in Bridport VT. and graduated from Middlebury Highschool Middlebury VT. in 1966. He then joined U.S. Army with a Waiver in 1966 at the age of 17. He attended basic Training and Tech School before deploying to Vietnam where he served as a Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Driver/Mechanic for the 586th Signal Co. Roadrunners in the Highlands from August 12, 1967, to August 11, 1968. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat and an Honorable Discharge for his service to his country.
Upon His Return Home from Vietnam William began working as a brick mason in Boston Massachusetts where he earned his Journeyman Status and subsequently Struck out on his own. William married Linda Jean Peck, in 1970. William defined himself as an accomplished tradesman who could do almost any task put before him. His passion and love were his work and providing for his family. William traveled all over the east coast working for a refractory company which brought he and his family to Fernandina Beach in 1981 where they settled. William was a noted tradesman in the Kingsland and St Mary’s area befriending contractors and clients alike since 1984. William and Linda Had one Son, Patrick Michael Grace. who remembers Him as a patient, and loving Father who always encouraged him to pursue his goals.
William was accomplished at wood working, masonry construction and carpentry and often enjoyed creating things and looking for a better way to do things. He was a Dedicated individual who loved his home, family, friends and craft. and who was passionate about his work, hobbies and motorcycles.
He was an active member of VFW Post 4351 until he fell Ill.
William leaves behind His younger sister Chris Darby of Murfreesboro TN., His Son Patrick Grace and his Family, Sara Elizabeth Kennedy, His Grandsons Christopher Hunter, Brayden Richard and Finn Jameson.
He will have small a grave side service for Family and Friends at the St Peters Episcopal Church Cemetery on May 25, 2024, at 1100am where he will be laid to rest with his Wife Linda Jean Peck.
The family will receive friends from 1230 PM – 2:00 PM at VFW Post 4351, 96086 Wade's Pl, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 after his interment.