Donald Grace, district UM Men president, dies

Donald E. Grace, 2005 Austin District president of United Methodist Men, was affectionately nicknamed “Amazing Grace” in his early football days because of his amazing speed.
Donald died Dec. 24 after an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 74.
During those 18 months he managed to keep going and working in his church.
Donald was planning his next project for United Methodist Men before going on to his highest calling. Death seemed to be an intrusion on his plans for the district United Methodist Men because he hadn’t finished planning. His earthly walk was in keeping with his higher calling.
Just as he was “amazing” in so many ways, his name, “Grace,” was fitting in that he lived up to it by showing his grace in day-to-day living and “under fire.” His life has seemed “amazing,” considering his leadership accomplishments and numerous awards and honors, and “grace-filled” in the way he touched people in wonderful ways.
One of Donald’s most recent accomplishments was his recognition as a Texas Football Legend by the Houston Texans of the National Football League Nov. 21.
Donald’s ministry and personal witness will be remembered and missed in his church, Wesley UMC, and among the men and women of the Austin District.
He will be remembered and missed in his many other pursuits, his coaching career, involvement in Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association, in Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and other activities too numerous to mention.