of Batesville, AR
March 16, 1938 - January 18, 2021
Preston ''Peppy'' Windham Grace, Jr., 82, of Batesville, Ark., passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2021.
Peppy was born in Batesville on March 16, 1938, to Charlotte and Preston Grace, Sr.
A graduate of Batesville High School and Arkansas College (now Lyon College), Peppy married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Leonard, the daughter of Louise and Quenten Leonard, also of Batesville, on July 6, 1960. Together until her passing 57 years later, their marriage was blessed with four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Throughout the years, Peppy served with the Arkansas National Guard; owned and operated several local businesses; co-founded and served as president/CEO of Independence Federal Bank; served as a Batesville Jaycee and as president of the Batesville Rotary Club; and founded W.R.D. Entertainment, which, at the time, operated a family of four local radio stations.
The company, now known as White River Now, currently operates six radio stations as well as the online local news site, WhiteRiverNow.com.
Peppy was also a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Batesville.
Besides his love for Nancy, his family, his lifelong friends, and all the employees with whom he worked over the years, Peppy also enjoyed Arkansas Razorbacks sports, his beloved mother-in-law's Southern cooking, and any and all things related to Elvis Presley.
Peppy was preceded in death by Nancy and his parents, Charlotte and Preston Grace, Sr. He is survived by his four children, Preston ''Chip'' Grace III and daughter-in-law, Tonia; Charlotte ''Candi'' Grace and her partner, Annette Hurley; John Robert ''Rob'' Grace; and Mollie Grace Smith and Ken Smith. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Will Grace, Carly Mace (and her husband, Chris Mace), Hannah Grace, Hutton Grace, Jacob Smith, and Sam Smith; two great-grandsons, Owen Mace and Walker Mace; a brother, Barnett Grace (and his wife, Greer); and three nephews, Christopher Grace, Philip Grace (and his wife, Melanie), and Charles Baber Grace.
The family would like to graciously and lovingly thank Jerri Gallap, Roy Roberts, Jessica Barnett, Alyssa Anglum, Sharon Medlock, Edith Flores, Judith Flores, and in particular, Jonathan Hunter and Tracy Clem, and for their love, care, and devotion for Peppy, as well as every aide, caregiver, and nurse who attended and cared for him.
A private graveside service will be held with the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Batesville or to Arkansas Children's Hospital.
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15 Condolence(s)
Neil Mace
Thursday, July 7, 2022
He was a visionary, very intelligent, a fair boss and business patner - in short he was a good man. He will be missed.
Roy and Phyllis
Friday, January 29, 2021
Our prayers are with you all at this time. We thought a lot of “Peppy†and it was always great to see his smile. He was witty, kind and a gracious man. He will be missed dearly.
Bill Estes
Thursday, January 28, 2021
My family and I are soo sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for the family and friends.
Sharon Sharp
Friday, January 22, 2021
Our throughs and prayers are with the family.
Amy Beth Anderson
Friday, January 22, 2021
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. It was a pleasure waiting on him at Wyatts restaurant.
Amy Beth
Debbie Tate
Friday, January 22, 2021
Rob,Butch and family I was so sorry to hear about Mr.Grace. You all in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Keener Tate
Gary Pugh
Friday, January 22, 2021
Condolences and prayers to the Grace family in their loss. Preston was a fine gentleman and leader. He hired me to work in one of his subsidiary companies to help create the first full service securities firm associated with a savings and loan bank in the state of Arkansas. Some of his ideas were ahead of their time. I will forever be thankful and grateful for his leadership and kindness in the early years of my financial career. He and Nancy continued their friendship by sending me a Christmas card each year for many years. My granddaughtersAshlyn and Erin became friends with their granddaughter Hannah thru their sorority at the University of Arkansas. And the circle goes round and around. R. I. P. my friend.
Gary Pugh
Brenda (Mize) Petray
Friday, January 22, 2021
My sincere condolences to the Grace Family for your loss. My Mother, Lola Evens worked for Preston Jr., Preston Sr. and Chip before she retired at White River Now. She loved them all dearly and considered them family. They were all so dear to her. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all during this difficult time. May God give you peace.
Wilson Family
Thursday, January 21, 2021
We have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Kenny, Mellissa, Justin, and Kerrie
Jim and Carolyn Watkins
Thursday, January 21, 2021
We had a great respect for Peppy!
Sarah and mark shreve
Thursday, January 21, 2021
In our thoughts and prayers
Byron Joe Swafford
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Death has silenced a wonderful voice and person...Rest forever in Gods arms...
BJS
Betty Burge Cockrill
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
My thoughts and prayers for each of your families.
Mark & Laura Morris
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
In Christ,
Mark & Laura Morris
Harlon Martin
Teisha Bagwell
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
My condolences to the Grace family during this difficult time.