Chad Alan Grace

It is with shock and broken hearts that we announce the death of our beloved son, father, nephew and friend, Chad Grace.  He passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at the age of 46.

Chad was a voracious outdoorsman and had a love of the water from a very young age.  Starting with “tube wars” with friends, skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing, he spent most of his spare time in the bayous, bays and the Gulf of Mexico.  His biggest thrill was to catch that big grouper in deep water and have his picture taken while hoisting it high, muscles bulging.  Although he spent many hours hunting with family and friends, he preferred watching animals cavorting through the fields and forests of the family farm.  He would rather pet and cuddle with an old dog or cat.

Chad was an outstanding student throughout school.  He was curious, well-read, and articulate.  Some of his writings were used for years at Choctaw as good examples for creative composition.  After attending Okaloosa County schools, he graduated from West Florida College and was accepted into the School of Dentistry at University of Florida.   He had a gift of humor, relishing the opportunity to make others smile and laugh.  Above all, he was a kind and gentle person. 

A hard hitting tennis player, he played in high school not trying to be first place on the team, but to emulate Boris Becker’s serve, Andre Aggasi’s ground strokes, and John McEnroe’s net play.   During a year’s break from college, he worked on the ski slopes of Breckinridge and used all his energy on the moguls, trying to become the next Bode Miller.  And although not a football player, he became an NFL caliber quarterback after countless hours of throwing to his son, Gannon.

Chad was pre-deceased by his little brother, Josh.  He is survived by his parents, Roger and Shirley; children, Gannon, Cadyn, and Brandon and their mother, Candace; his nephew, JT; nieces, Morgan and Alexia; Aunt Patsy, Uncle Reggie; cousins, Tracey and Todd (Nancy) and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a private service at the family home to celebrate his life.