Michael David Gracy passed away in the early morning Thursday, January 3rd, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his loving wife and three children.
Born February 24th, 1942, in Gainesville, FL to L. Cecil and Marguerite “Peggie” Hapeman Gracy, Michael was raised in a loving home of five children in the Duck Pond neighborhood of East Gainesville. He attended elementary and middle school at PK Yonge. After two years at Gainesville High School, he went on to graduate from Sewanee Military Academy, Sewanee, TN. In 1965 he graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in business administration. Michael then attended the United States Navy’s officer candidate school and served in the Vietnam War as a US Navy First Lieutenant.
Michael returned to Gainesville and met the love of his life, Susan Shaw. They married November 6th,1970, the same year (as he liked to tell his clients) he married Prudential. During his 48 year career in the financial services industry he earned many high accolades reserved for Prudential’s top producers. A longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Michael enjoyed serving his community through the church and philanthropic organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.
Of the many important family values and traditions his parents passed down, young Michael took particular interest in handling himself as a southern gentleman and becoming an avid outdoorsman. He pursued each of these, most notably quail hunting, throughout childhood alongside his lifelong friend, Bill Watson. In addition to bird hunting, a favorite avocation of Michael’s was playing golf at the Gainesville Golf and Country Club. He forged many meaningful friendships over countless rounds of golf exchanging handshakes, jokes and a few dollars.
Later in life his chosen activities involved his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed proudly cheering them on during little league sports competitions, piano and ballet recitals.
Michael Gracy was a kind, humble and gentle man who always had a smile to share. A smile that lit up the room.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents L. Cecil “Pappy” Gracy, Marguerite “Mammy” Gracy, sister Ann Elliot. He is survived by, his wife, Susan Shaw Gracy, children Michael David (Megan) Gracy Jr, S. Ellis (Todd) Clarkson and A. Bradley Gracy, grandchildren Cecil Gracy, Mac and Amelia Clarkson, and brother Larry Gracy, sisters Mary Feiber and Sarah (Joe) Nave.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. Catherine Price and Rev. Steve Price officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. A reception at Gainesville Country Club will follow. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5-7 at Milam Funeral Home, 311 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
