Walter John Grace, 74

December 3, 1951 – August 8, 2026

Walter John Grace, 74, of New Albany, Mississippi, passed away August 8, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi. He was born December 3, 1951, in Mobile, Alabama, and grew up in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Walter lived a life marked by perseverance, hard work, professionalism, respect, generosity, compassion, wittiness, service, strength, and love. In his 30s, he came to know Jesus Christ as his Savior, and as he matured in his faith, he became a serious student of God’s Word.

Walter was the beloved husband to Nancy Grace for 53 years, and the dear father to Rebecca Davis (John) of Shannon, Mississippi; Melissa Grace (Marc Donnell) of Seattle, Washington; and John Ward Grace (Anne Marie) of Corinth, Mississippi. He had a deep love for his five grandchildren – Will and Ella Grace Davis, and Riley, Finn, and Madi Grace. He adored his dog, Marlie, and their bond was inseparable.

Walter was a leader by nature and a gifted administrator. After graduating from H.V. Cooper High School in Vicksburg and receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi, he began his career with the Memphis Cotton Exchange and soon transitioned into nursing home administration, followed by working in the medical supply business. The peak of his career was with the Baptist Health Care System, where he worked in various roles. Among those, Walter was CFO of Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women in Memphis, Tennessee; assistant administrator of Baptist Memorial Hospital – DeSoto; CEO and administrator of both Baptist Memorial Hospital – Booneville and Baptist Memorial Hospital – Union County.

His position at BMH-UC held a special place in his heart because it allowed him to serve and care for the people of his hometown. While CEO at BMH-UC, Walter led the hospital to become one of the top three hospitals in the nation in terms of high-value health care. He was also named a Mississippi Health Care Hero by the Mississippi Business Journal and was appointed by the governor to serve on the Mississippi Emergency Services Advisory Council, among other professional honors.

Walter was on the board of trustees for Blue Mountain Christian University, a board member of Sanctuary Hospice House, and president of the Union County Development Association. At the time of his death, he was serving on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of New Albany.

He was an active member of First Baptist Church of New Albany, where he was ordained as a deacon, served on the benevolence committee, and taught Sunday School. He spent hours studying and preparing his Sunday school lessons because he considered it a high honor and great responsibility to teach the Scriptures.

As evident from his career and service to his church and community, Walter had a heart for others, especially his family. He loved spending time with Nancy, and they always opened their home to those in need. He was a source of wisdom, encouragement, and advice for his children, and he was present for everything they did. It meant the world to him when his whole family gathered around the table for a meal together. He spent hours at soccer games, powerlifting meets, dance recitals, and other activities as his grandchildren’s biggest fan.

Nancy’s homemade ice cream was his favorite. A good gallon of sweet tea and a cold Coca-Cola were close seconds. He enjoyed going to Ole Miss football games, watching TV, driving his Corvette, working with wood, tinkering on projects around the house, playing a competitive round of Monopoly, napping during a Sunday afternoon NASCAR race, and spending Saturdays at the lake or working in the yard (during his younger years).

Walter was a sharp-dressed man who always wanted to look his best because he knew the importance of first impressions. But more than that, he knew the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ, which defined who he was as a husband, father, grandfather, administrator, brother, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; his parents, John and Lois Grace; and his sister, Cathy Grace. He is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, and two brothers – Mike Grace (Carol Ann) of Suwanee, Georgia, and Pete Grace (Sharon) of Raymond, Mississippi. He leaves behind a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of Walter’s life will be held Thursday, August 13, at 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church, New Albany, with Andrew Chesteen, John Davis, and Tom Sumrall officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church.

Memorials can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of New Albany, 507 Oak Street, and the “Investing Today, Impacting Eternity” building fund at First Baptist Church, 200 East Bankhead Street, New Albany.

Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to serve the Grace family and their friends. Condolences may be posted on Walter’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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