Richard Garlin Grace
Richard Garlin Grace
Decatur
Richard Garlin Grace, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on June 22, 2024, at the age of 77 surrounded by family in his final moments. He was a man of immense humor and wisdom who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.
Richard was the oldest of two children born to Ed and Bernice Grace in Lafayette, Alabama on February 1, 1947. As a proud resident of his hometown he grew up playing football, working in his grandfather’s store, and most importantly making friendships that would last a lifetime.
After graduating high school, he attended Samford University and joined Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, a brotherhood he valued throughout his life. He transferred to Auburn University where he met his future wife, Evelyn (Lyn) Summers and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Richard and Lyn were blessed with four children and eight grandchildren, and he loved nothing more than spending time with them. Richard conveyed his love of travel to his family, and he particularly enjoyed a family trip to Hawaii and recently celebrated his 70th birthday in Steamboat Springs,
Colorado with the whole extended Grace crew.
He worked as a consulting engineer, owned his own engineering firm, and retired as Madison County Engineer in 2018. During his career, he was selected as Engineer of the Year in 2001 by the Associated General Contractors and was appointed to the State Board of Licensure for Engineers.
Out of all of his roles in business, what he enjoyed most was being a mentor for countless young engineers.
Richard loved life and surrounded himself with family and friends. He was
always up for an adventure. On any given day, you may have found him on the golf course, cheering on the Auburn Tigers, traveling with family or friends, all the while telling his many, many stories. Richard loved people and had a gift for maintaining friendships, from childhood friends, fraternity brothers, professional colleagues, to the stranger next to him on an airplane.
He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lyn; four children, Jeffrey Grace (Shannon), Katherine Thompson (Doug), Caroline Joiner (Donald), and Ashley Perry (John); a sister, Diane Grace Mann; eight grandchildren, Parker and Paige Grace, Drew and Grace Thompson, Millie and Walker Joiner, and Ruth and Garlin Perry; and two nieces, Christy Carter (Tyler) and Alison Till (Steve).
A memorial service will be held at Decatur Methodist Church on Friday, June 28 at 1 p.m. Following the service, a time of visitation for family and friends to share their memories of Richard will
take place in the church fellowship hall.
There will be a private graveside service at a later date in Lafayette.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Richard’s memory to Decatur Methodist Church or Hospice of the Valley.
