MICHAEL LEE GRACE

MICHAEL LEE GRACE, age 67, formerly of Columbus, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at his residence.

Michael was born in Columbus,Ohio on April 9, 1956 to his parents, Roland W. Grace Sr. and Rosella I. Puckett.

As an adolescent, Michael grew up in Bristol, Vermont with the love and support of his grandparents; Wendell & Dolly Mason. Once Michael felt he had reached a true knowledgeable level in high school, having attempted to make it through the 9th grade three times and feeling that he knew more than his high school teachers, he decided to drop out of high school and enlist in the United States Marines. 

After serving his term in the military, Michael returned home and tried to settle down and start a family. Yes, I honestly said that Michael tried to settle down! Michael was the life of many parties and events. We could be dealing with the worst thing possible and somehow, if Michael were there, well, you know the rest; he was the life and laughter! I can recall Michael working as a night watchman for a company and would often hire a friend to come in and make his rounds because he had a party that he needed to go to and would try to return before the end of his shift, note! Try!

 Michael later moved to Texas where he learned the trade of installing flooring and carpet; again, attempting to settle down and start a family. Well, after another failed attempt with family and   having learned this new trade; Michael moved back to Vermont to work this trade and at one point even operated a carpet store in Rutland, Vermont. 

 Michael was not one to settle down for too long in any one place. Eventually he made another attempt at family. Michael married a young lady from Middlebury, Vermont.

 Michael truly enjoyed entertaining. For this event, he went all out, hired a band, a limousine, and spent the whole night partying the night away with his new bride, and best man, Amos         Higbee.  Michael eventually moved back to Columbus,Ohio with his new bride and the trade he had learned. Michael seemed to apply more energy into this attempt but just did not quite have     what it took to hold things together. 

 Michael spent many years installing flooring and carpet and any other handy job that came along, often with his son, Christopher Grace. Michael was truly one of a kind. 

 Michael truly enjoyed fishing and hunting and visiting his family in Vermont, socializing and his many many collections; from coins to sport cards. One year, Michael drove to Vermont three times   in an old Ford van that had a blown head gasket. Michael would stop, put in some radiator dope, head on down the highway and carried his trusty bible on the dash of that vehicle. The average   person would never do this, and many of you may agree Michael wasn’t your average person!

 One could easily become jealous of Michael’s zest for entertainment. Michael had a few very special nieces that he would always enjoy entertaining every time he saw them, whether here in   Vermont or if they traveled to Ohio. Any time  Michael saw them or they saw him the show was to begin. Michael showed them how to dumpster dive, the art of back alley fireworks, assisted in   snipe hunting, played dress-up including hair curlers and even would try out the electric dog shock collar just to entertain these nieces as well as anyone else that might be in the area. 

 Michael also had a serious side to himself if and when needed; such as when he had to endure the loss of his oldest brother, one he was very close with! It was a very hard time in Michael’s life   and he carried this loss for the remainder of his life.

 I do realize that this is not your ordinary obituary. That is because Michael was not your ordinary person. Michael was whatever you needed him to be! He would be down to his last $10.00  and see a homeless person in need and give that person his $10.00 and walk away feeling good knowing that he hopefully made a difference.

 Michael is survived by his two sons, Christopher Grace of Rockville, Utah, Kory (Grace) Wright of Bristol, Vermont; his parents Rosella and step father Lester Dean of Columbus; granddaughter,   Destiny Marie Gebo of Vermont; brother Danny Grace & Debbie of Bristol; half sisters Kathy Dean & Buck of Columbus, Rhonda Todd Wood of Arkansas, LeeAnn Beede & Perry of Vermont,   Shelby  Bruno & Ralph of Vermont and half brother Larry Dean & Tina of Columbus; also several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Michael was predeceased by his son Christopher Gebo, brother Walter Grace, half brother Roland Grace, father Roland W. Grace Sr., step mother, Marjorie and his grandparents Wendell & Dolly Mason.

There will be some form of service scheduled at a later date. In the meantime, arrangements are being handled by COOK & SON- PALLAY FUNERAL HOME, Columbus, Ohio.

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