GRACE

Deacon Ralph Grace, 72, a resident of Franklinton, entered into eternity peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2013, at Riverside Medical Center of Franklinton.

He was born on April 23, 1941, in Indio, Calif., to the late Elnorse and Thelma (Gates) Grace Sr. He was the fourth of eight children.

He attended and graduated from Pacific High School in San Bernardino, Calif., becoming a professional painter and carpenter after graduation.

In 1989, he moved to Bogalusa and became a member of Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he remained until his death. He served as Sunday school superintendent, an usher, a member of Brother Hood and class 14 adult men teacher. He also initiated the young ushers, always prayerful that it would blossom.

In 2005, he married Annie (Haywood) Grace and moved to Franklinton, where he resided until his departure.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving dedicated wife of seven years, Annie Grace of Franklinton; a son, Sonny Grace of Los Angeles; four stepchildren, Paul L. Robinson of Franklinton, Sandra (Aaron) Franklinton of Memphis, Tenn., Shenita Sims of Ponchatoula and Zelda (Melvin) Butler of Fluker; special grandchildren, Amanda Grace of Buffalo, N.Y. and Sabrina Hart of Hollywood, Calif.; 12 step-grandchildren, Gary, LaShandra, Mark, Quitntella, Shanay, Nehemiah, Melvin Jr., Amine, Paul, Stephon and Stephanie; three brothers, Elnorse Grace, Billy Ray Grace and Timothy (Evette) Holmes Jr.; and three sisters, Wanda Jean (William) League, Linda (Ellis) Jones and Alice (Micheal) Holmes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elnorse and Thelma Grace; a brother, Roger; an aunt, Florine Gates; a step-grandson, Joseph; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 10 at Cook-Richmond Funeral Home of Franklinton from 2-6 p.m., with a family hour from 6-7 p.m.

Visitation will continue on Saturday at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church from 9 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dr. Raymond Mims officiating. Interment will follow in Bogalusa Cemetery.

To sign the guestbook visit www.cookrichmondfuneralhome.com or cookrichmond@facebook.com.