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Robert Calvin Gracy

It is with regret that Higgins Funeral Home announces the passing of Mr. Robert Calvin Gracy, age 91, of Fayetteville, TN.

Robert was born on November 14, 1927 in Blanche, TN to the late John Page and Mary Pearl Dale Gracy. He served in the U.S. Army and worked as a Marine Biologist for NOAA. After college, Robert and his brother, Jim, owned and operated the Gracy Brothers Ice Cream Company. Mr. Gracy served as an elder and deacon with the Fayetteville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and a deacon with the First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula, MS. After retirement, Mr. Gracy was an avid fisherman and hunter, and a mentor to many bee keepers in the South. He was the 2013 Elk Valley Bee Keeper of the Year and a member of the American Bee Keepers Association, the Tennessee Bee Keepers Association, Elk Valley Bee Keepers Association, and former member of the Fayetteville Rotary Club. Mr. Gracy passed away on February 13, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Ann Sullenberger Gracy; daughters, Carolyn (Daniel Almers) Gracy, Sara (Darryl) Rector, Margaret Gracy, and Lance Gracy all of Fayetteville, TN; grandchildren, Ann (Dusty) Reynolds, Chad Rector, Jeffrey Rector, Margaret (Sam) Arbothnot, Brandi Rector, Shayla Rector, and Lela Gracy; step-grandchildren, Melissa (David) Penrod, Dana (Troy) Kicklighter, James (Lindsey) Rector, and Jessica Rector; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Cathrine Gracy; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brothers, John Dale Gracy and his wife Anita, and James Page Gracy, Sr.; and infant sister, Velmer Jean.

The family invites you to a life celebration at 1 PM on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the Fayetteville ARP Church with Rev. Philip Bunch and Dr. R. Leslie Holmes, Provost of Erskine Seminary, officiating. Visitation with the family will be held from 11 AM until 1 PM on Saturday. A private burial service will be held at the Prosperity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fayetteville ARP Church Music Fund, 1720 Huntsville Hwy, Fayetteville, TN 37334 or a charity of your choice.

5 Comments (Open | Close)

5 Comments To "Robert Calvin Gracy"

#1 Comment By Diane Knowles On February 14, 2019 @ 1:16 am

Mrs Margaret and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Gracy. He was always so nice. I used to save your family a table at Rachel’s every Sunday. I remember him telling fishing stories. My condolences to your family..
Diane

#2 Comment By Jack and June Towry On February 14, 2019 @ 4:46 am

Margaret and Family
So sorry to hear about Mr. Robert. Have known your family all my life and Mrs. Gracy will always be my favorite teacher, 1950s. My condolences to all of you.
Jack

#3 Comment By Joe and Cindy Mishtal On February 14, 2019 @ 5:45 pm

Joe and I are very sorry for your loss. May God be with y’all.

#4 Comment By Judy Warren On February 14, 2019 @ 7:31 pm

Sorry for your loss. I did not know Mr. Robert, but his parents were two of my favorite teachers. Mr. J.P. at Lincoln in late 50’s and Mrs. Gracy at Central High in the early 60’s.

#5 Comment By Monica Oosting On February 19, 2019 @ 8:59 pm

We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Gracy. He was one of the founding members of the Elk valley beekeepers and was a true gentleman. He was named beekeeper of the year because of his vast knowledge, experience and his willingness to share and help the many beginners that looked up to him for advice. For years we could count on him for his knowledge of the bees. He will be truly missed by his friends at the various bee clubs. Surely the bees have lost a good friend, too.