Leonard C. Grace

Leonard C. Grace, 83, of 194 Pierce Avenue, Apt 40, was promoted to Eternal Life on June 26, 2014. Funeral services will be held at Forest Hills United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at 2:00PM with the Reverend Baxter Hurley and Dr. Frank Harris officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00PM until 7:00PM on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the church. Burial will be at Macon Memorial Park with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Forest Hills United Methodist Church, 1217 Forest Hills Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, or the Macon Little Theatre, 4220 Forsyth Road, Macon, Georgia 31210. A native of Macon, he was one of twin sons born April 22, 1931 to Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Grace. His twin brother, Lloyd, predeceased him in 1950. He was educated in local schools and attended Mercer University and the Robins Resident Center of the University of Georgia. In 1963, he was chairman of the committee that organized Forest Hills United Methodist Church and had served in practically every committee of the church. In 1964, he began teaching the Chancel Bible Class, an adult Sunday School Class. In 2002, the class was renamed in his honor as the Grace Bible Class. He has taught Sunday School for more than 65 years. He has conducted a weekly Bible study at the Cottages on Wesleyan. He was also a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church and was a member of the adult choir. Mr. Grace was a charter member of the Exchange Club of Bibb County and served as club president and also as state president of the Georgia District Exchange Clubs. He has continuously edited the weekly club bulletin since charter in 1958, perhaps a record for service clubs. His bulletin The Servitor was selected as best Exchange Club bulletin in the nation in 1993. In 2004, he joined the Exchange Club of Macon and has edited SWAPS, their weekly club bulletin. In 2003, he gave the One Nation Under God speech at the national convention of the National Exchange Club in Birmingham. Mr. Grace began his military career in ROTC at Lanier High School, and joined the Georgia National Guard as a private. He served in every enlisted grade, as a warrant officer, and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant. He rose through the ranks and upon retirement, was promoted full Colonel. His final assignment was as Deputy Post Commander of the National Guard facility at Fort Stewart, Georgia. During his service, he had three tours of active duty in the Army. He was active in veteran's affairs and was a member of American Legion Post #3 and served many years as Secretary of the 121st Infantry Association. Mr. Grace had 40 years of Government service beginning as a National Guard Technician and later as an Employee Relations Specialist in the Personnel Office at Robins Air Force Base. His final assignment was as Labor Relations Advisor to the Director of Maintenance and he retired in 1990. He was active in the Federal Managers Association and also in the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Mr. Grace was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Macon Little Theatre and has served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. He participated in numerous theatre productions, most notably as ‘Santa Claus' for 12 years in "Holiday Spectacular", the annual Christmas production. He was also a cast member in "My Fair Lady," "Oklahoma," "Hello Dolly," "L'il Abner," and numerous other productions. Mr. Grace is a Past Master of Marshall A. Weir Masonic Lodge, and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He has given numerous patriotic speeches to civic and service clubs in the Central Georgia area. His son, George L. Grace, predeceased him. His is survived by his wife of 56 years (married in 1958), Ann S. Grace; his daughter-in-law, Gwen A. Grace; and his grandson, Wesley Alexander Grace, of Warner Robins; and one sister, Hazel G. (Mrs. Harry L) Couch of Macon; and numerous nieces and nephews. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.