B. Grace

Rev. B. Gene Grace 81, of Waco, husband of Dorothy Grace, passed away Monday September 16, 2013 at Baylor Hospital of Dallas. Services will be 1 p.m.. Friday, Sept. 20, at Western Heights Baptist Church with burial at Oakwood Cemetery, Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday at Oakcrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.

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Billy Gene Grace died in Dallas, September 16, 2013 due to complications after surgery. He was 81 years of age. Funeral services are scheduled 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at Western Heights Baptist Church, 6301 Bosque Boulevard. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard, Waco.

Gene Grace was born June 7, 1932 in Idalou, the son of Elmer "Bud" Grace and Ella Pauline James Grace. A devoted Texas Baptist pastor, gifted preacher and diligent expositor, Gene served 12 churches spanning the years 1953 to 2008. He pastored two Waco churches: Memorial Baptist and Westwood Baptist. No one had a surname more aptly related to their life’s work or their consistent attitude in doing it than Gene Grace. He was quick to say, "By Grace are you saved, but not by this one," firmly pointing them to the saving power of God’s grace as the only source of salvation.

Brother Grace, as he was known by his parishioners, served as moderator in five separate Baptist Associations. He was also proud to have served for a time on the Executive Board of the Texas Baptist Convention. Grace was active in civic affairs, serving as a volunteer fireman and participating in local community service organizations wherever he and Dorothy lived.

Grace had many hobbies. He earned certification as a ham radio operator and become an exceptional auto mechanic. Gene was the source of all knowledge automotive for his children and grandchildren. His family shook their heads over his fearless commitment to the avocation of basketball referee. He refereed games all over Central, North Central and East Texas, maintaining active memberships in a number of basketball officials associations.

In his retirement Gene continued to serve the churches to which he belonged, most recently as chair of personnel committee. He also served the City of Waco for a time as chair of the Waco Animal Grievance Board. He was proud of his service to God's people and to the communities in which he lived.

He is survived by his wife and partner in life and ministry for 62 years, Dorothy Cason Grace; his sister Nelda Grace King; his children Rob Grace & spouse Cindy; Sandy Grace Muston & spouse Jim; Mark Grace & spouse Linda; Lisa Grace Slaton & spouse Sammy; Tim Grace & spouse Melissa; grandchildren Jason, Charissa, Joshua; Nathaniel, Megan, Brittney, Clark, Lauren, Brandon, Patrick, Elizabeth and Jacob; great Grandchildren: Dalton, Chloe, Sidney, Samuel, Eyan, Spencer, McKinley and Charlee Kate.

Gene is also survived by his sister-in-law Donetia Cason Griffith, his brothers-in-law Wendell and David Cason; nieces and nephews David and Randy King, Pamela King Cooke, Gary and Daniel Griffith and Cindy Griffith Biehl and their spouses.

Gene’s family is requesting that no flowers be given for the funeral. They are requesting instead that donations in honor of B. Gene Grace be made to Western Heights Baptist Church, 6301 Bosque Blvd Waco, TX 76710 254-776-2524.