November 18, 2006

WILLIE GRACE OBITUARY

FROM:  The Erie Times-News (November 20th)

Willie GraceGrace, Willie, 89, of Erie died Saturday, November 18, 2006 at Presque Isle Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

He was born in Meridian Miss. on June 30, 1918 the son of the late Nathan and Jittie Lang Grace.

Willie graduated from Harris High school in Meridian Miss.

He was a founder and member of the Elks Lodge # 328 and an All-Star in the Negro Leagues baseball.

He played in Negro-League Baseball for the Cleveland Buckeyes from 1942 until 1950 and in 1945, they were world champions. He also played for the Erie Sailors.

Mr. Grace worked at Hammermill Paper retiring in 1980.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings: Ruby Lucille; Fred Grace; Minnie Pearl; and Walter Grace. Survivors include: his Ex-Wife Shirley Grace, of Washington, Pa.; A sister Mallie Emanuel of St.

Louis, Two Sons: Darryl Grace, and his wife Patricia, of Erie, and Greg Grace and his wife Elizabeth, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Four Grandchildren: Darryl Jr. and Sydney Grace of Erie; Monica Hardy and Stephen Constant of Pittsburgh.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home, 602 W. 10th St., Tuesday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. and are invited to attend services there Wednesday at 11 a.m. with The Reverend Jon Goshay officiating.

Internment will be at Erie County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. James A.M.E. Church 236 E. 11th St. Erie, Pa. 16503.