Matthew Alexander Grace, Jr.

Matt Grace was born and raised in New Orleans, LA; but a resident of Ocean Springs, MS for the past 42 years. Matt grew up spending every summer in Ocean Springs at his family's summer home on Washington Avenue. Matt was pre-deceased by the love of his life, his wife of fifty-six years, Joanne Carole Massa Grace. Joanne passed away only 6 months ago. Matt was also pre-deceased by his infant daughter, Colleen Carole Grace, his oldest sister, Barbara Grace McDaniels, and his loving son-in-law, Rick Thomas McFadden. He is survived by 6 children: Leslie Jo Grace McFadden, Mark Alan Grace (Paula Rychtar), Keith Austin Grace (Rebecca), Nancy Lee Grace (Lloyd Marine), Kelley Elizabeth Grace (Thomas Lintz), and Shannon Scott Grace Pfeiffer (Michael). He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren whom all loved their Paw-Paw. Also surviving Matt is his sister, Leigh Grace, of New Orleans, LA and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Matt was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a graduate of Tulane University who always pulled for the Green Wave. Matt was a past deacon at Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church in New Orleans and served several terms as the Lions Club president in Terrytown, LA; where he was also a volunteer firefighter. Matt was also a founding member of the Ocean Springs Yacht Club, served one year as Rear Commodore and was instrumental in getting the first Yacht Club building built on the harbor in Ocean Springs. Matt served several terms on the Ocean Springs Library Board and the Ocean Springs Planning Commission. Matt was a past president and founding member of the Hibernia Marching Society of Mississippi. Many Hibernia club members will remember Matt, in his green Stetson hat, carrying the Irish flag and leading the annual parade. Matt was a big man with the personality to match. He will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations in Matt's name to The Lord is My Help, 1205 Desoto Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or to the Joanne Grace Art Scholarship Fund at the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center School of the Arts (online at www.themaryc.org or by phone 228-818-2878). Visitation is Thursday, January 12th from 11:30am to 1:00 pm, with a Celebration of Life at the Ocean Springs Chapel of the Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, 911 Porter Avenue. Interment will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery.