Jimmie Howard Grace

Ringling – Graveside Services for Mr. Jimmie Howard Grace, 79, of Ringling are scheduled for 10:00 am Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Ringling Memorial Cemetery with Paul Reed officiating. Services are under direction of Alexander Funeral Home in Ringling.

Jimmie was born Nov. 1, 1930 at Claypool to the late Mr. Howard Thomas Grace and Mrs. Elaine Leota (Dickey) Grace. He departed this life Saturday May 15, 2010 at an Ardmore healthcare facility.

Jimmie was raised in Claypool graduating from Claypool High School in 1949. He attended Cameron College and earned his Associates degree in 1951 and then attended Oklahoma A&M College and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1953 in Animal Husbandry.

He and the former Ms. Mary Garner were united in marriage December 17, 1960 at Ringling. They shared many wonderful years together residing in Ringling. Jimmie was employed as a Rancher and Cattle Buyer all of his working years. He was a very enthusiastic Cattle Buyer thriving in the competitive atmosphere of the livestock auctions.

In Jimmie’s younger days he was a very talented athlete, playing basketball at both Cameron College and Oklahoma State University, then Oklahoma A&M for Coach Henry “Hank” Iba. Jimmie continued to be a faithful supporter of OSU through all his years. He always enjoyed watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Jimmie was always very outgoing and full of energy. He never met a stranger and felt at home the most at the livestock auctions. He was a member of the Ringling United Methodist Church. He celebrated 51 years as a Mason and was currently a member of the Lone Grove Masonic Lodge as a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and the India Shrine. He also was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation Indian Tribe and a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Preceding him in death are his Parents, Mr. Howard Thomas Grace and Mrs. Elaine Leota Grace, and his sister, Maxie Dutton.

Survivors are his wife Mary of the home, 2 Daughters, Anne Manville and husband Randy of Flower Mound, TX, and Malane Grace and husband Al Schneider of Ringling. 2 Sons, Jay Grace and wife Melissa and Jack Grace and wife Amy, both of Ringling. 6 Grandchildren, Jessica, Tyler, Amanda, Lauren, Jackson, and Madeline. Numerous other relatives, church family and friends.

Bearers will be Jack Wilson, James Griffin, Tom Allen, Mike Moore, Tom Hildebrandt, Marland Vance, Mike Brooks, and Mike Turner.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations in honor be made to the Ringling United Methodist Church Building Fund/ P.O. Box 247, Ringling, OK 73456 or a charity of choice.

Family visitation will be 6-8 pm Monday Evening at the Funeral Home in Ringling.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org