Bootsie

Thomas A. Grace or more affectionately called Bootsie, was granted his Angel wings on May 10th, 2023.

Thomas A. Grace was born in Oakland California on April 14, 1949 to Thomas A. Grace Jr and LaVida Jones as their first child.

As a child Bootsie was the adulation of everyone who encountered his jovial spirit. Always thirsty for knowledge and how things worked, Bootsie read everything he could get his hands on. This would lead to him being one of the smartest kids in his class, all through grade school and high school.

Wanting to carve out his legacy, Bootsie volunteered for the Untied State Army in 1967, at the height of the Vietnam War as a 76P (Stock Control Supplyman and also cross trained as a 68J Medical Logistics Supply Specialist). Bootsie was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, Korea and Ft. Bragg North Carolina, where in 1970 he received an Honorable Discharge.

Shortly after Bootsie would marry Peggy Reed and father his first child Sean. 10 years later he would be remarried to Charlotte Elder and father his second and last child; Michael and Jontae. He loved his boys more than anything in this world. He talked about them constantly to everyone. He constantly took them on fishing excursions and sporting events.

The last 6 years of his life were filled with fun times and quality memories. He spent it with his extended Cuban family at many family events. His only grandson was his pride and joy.

Thomas is survived by his Mother Lavida, 4 sisters and 1 brother, his 3 son’s Sean, Michael and Jontae, and his grandson Fabian. He will be missed tremendously by many. But forgotten by none.