Obituary for Johnny Grace

Johnny Ray Grace

February 10, 1942 – September 5, 2022

Johnny Ray Grace Sr. of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Monday evening, September 5, 2022, at his son’s home in Ponca City at the age of 80 years.

Johnny Ray Grace Sr. was born on February 10, 1942, in McAllen, Texas, to Oscar Owen and Lora Alma (Turner) Grace. As an infant he moved with his family to Bristow, Oklahoma, before moving to Blackwell. He attended Blackwell Public Schools. Following his education he began working by building the Dannon Elevator in Blackwell. He married Janice Dianne Ebright on June 13, 1960, in Blackwell and they made Blackwell their home. Following their marriage, he began working for the Blackwell Zinc Company where he served the foundry for fifteen years. He then began a twenty-six year career at Electron Corporation where he retired as Plant Superintendent. He also worked for Con-Agra until the mill closed and then began working security for Conoco in Ponca City. He was a member of the Kay County Sheriff’s Reserve and the Blackwell Police Department Reserve for many years. He attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Blackwell and held membership in the Masonic Lodge and the I.O.O.F. Lodge in Blackwell. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He also loved to go dancing with his wife of sixty-two years. He served as president of the Senior Citizens Group for six years.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Grace of Blackwell; three sons, Johnny Ray Grace Jr. and wife Linda of Blackwell, Curtis Grace and wife Gaye Ann of Newkirk, and Terry Grace and wife Juli of Ponca City; a step-brother, Jimmy Wynn of Ponca City; eleven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Larry Gene Grace; a brother, Owen Grace; two sisters, Vera Paige and Fay Ellis; and four grandchildren, Malissha Grace, Johnny Ray Grace III, Anthony Grace and Andrew Grace.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 9th in the First Church of the Nazarene in Blackwell with Rev. Josie Busby officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Skylier Grace, Jessy Grace, Spencer Grace, Jason Grace, Adam Lammas and Zac Cook.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the First Church of the Nazarene in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.