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Edward " Mickey" Espinosa Gracia, was called to God's Loving Arms on February 20, 2013. Mickey was born January 15, 1924 on the Tremaine Cattle Ranch in Gilbert to Eduardo and Josepha Gracia. He grew up in the Mexican area of Gilbert, known as Sonora Town. He was orphaned at a young age. He lost his father at 5 years of age and his mother when he was 15. A WWII veteran he served in the Army Air Corps. After the war he met his one and only true love, Helen Gray. Four weeks later they were married and they lived in Tempe happily ever after. He was very Civic minded as he was instrumental in desegregating the Tempe Beach Pool after he returned from the war. He was a longtime member of the William Bloyd Post of the American Legion, where he served as a Vice Commander and Member of the Color Guard. He also facilitated the desegregation of that Post. He was a Y-Guide Leader, Scout Master, and coached boy's baseball. He worked at Williams Air Force Base as a Base Supply Inspector for 32 years. After retirement he started his second career as a ticket taker and supervisor for nearly every sports event and concert held at Arizona State University during the 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's. After he found the Lord in 1962, he served as a Church Deacon, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, and Song Leader for Calvary Baptist Church in Tempe. He was also a Deacon and Song Leader of the Walker Sunday School near his treasured summer home. He was an avid camper and fisherman and never met a trout he couldn't catch. He made a point of finding the good in everyone. He was known as a man with a deep love of God, a generous heart, a caring soul, a wide smile, twinkling eyes, and a pocket full of candy or gum. We will miss his physical presence, but we will always carry his gentle and caring spirit with us. Daddy, enjoy your well-deserved rest. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen; daughters, Sandra Apsey (Gary), Lena Andrews (Chris), daughter-in-law Susan; grandchildren, July Horne, Tiera Steele (James), Gray Gracia, Natasha Barrett(André): great-grandchildren, Johnathon, Joseph and Jacob Horne; Ethan, Alexander, and Danica Steele; Max, Taylor, and Cole Barrett; relatives and friends too numerous to list, all of whom he loved completely. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Richard. A Memorial service will be held March 2, 2013, 11:00 at Calvary Baptist Church, 2066 E Don Carlos, Tempe, AZ. Please visit www.carrtenneymortuary.com to leave Mickey's family online condolence messages.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 27, 2013
lena andrews
I miss you daddy and hearing you call me his baby Lena. You taught me so many lessons and helped me to be who I am today. You were a remarkable man and father and I am so grateful that I had you in my life. You were the most giving man and walked the walk of a true christian. I know you are watching over all of us everyday. You have been made one special angel. I will see you when I get to heaven and I will get one of your special hugs. I love you daddy.
March 2, 2013
Charlene Conner
I remember Mickey & Helen as one of our Sunday School teachers at Calvary Baptist. They were good friends of my father & mother, Chris & Hazel Smith and also of my Grandad & Granny Smith. Blessings be to you all and know that you will join him someday.
March 2, 2013
Elizabeth Montanez Rivera
Dear Helen and family, So sorry to hear about Mickey, but it was nice visiting with the both of you in May of 2012. You were dear neighbors and we will miss Mickey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. All our love, Elizabeth(Sister) and Jess Rivera.
March 1, 2013
angelita martinez
My prayers go out to you and the familia
March 1, 2013
Lena, I'll always remember your father fondly. He always made me feel as if I was part of your family, including me in family outings to Saguaro Lake and to Sunday school at Calvary. He was always smiling when my husband Rob and I visited him with Richard. He had a wonderful christian spirit and I know he is in the presence of the Lord and Savior. He showed me what being a christian was truly about, being kind, forgiving, helping others, and finding joy in the life that was given to you. Thank you for sharing him with me. Much love and Sympathy,
Pam Asher (Ward)
February 28, 2013
Gina Navarrete
Mickey was a great friend to my parents Raul & Alicia Navarrete. After my dad passed in 1982, every time he saw me & my sister Marci at ASU games he would always say something nice to us about my dad. He helped keep my dad alive to us. He also was very talented at looking the other way when he was minding the gate at ASU baseball games so we could get in free to watch the magic Coach Brock inspired!!
February 26, 2013
To The Family of Edward "Mickey" Gracia -
On behalf of the staff at Carr-Tenney Mortuary, I would like to offer my most heartfelt condolence. Thank you for letting our staff serve you.
Sincerely,
Lemuel D. Cannon
Funeral Arranger
February 26, 2013
Pat Brock
Mickey was a favorite of mine and of my late husband, Coach Jim Brock, ASU Baseball Sun Devils. Upon entering Brock Ballpark he would always smile and remind me of the love of the Lord, knowing we, too, were Christians. Mickey had a wonderful impact on many during his life. May God bless his wife and family.
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February 25, 2013
Dawn & Lee DeFord
I was so blessed to first meet Mickey in 1997, through my husband, Lee, who has known him since 1978. We have never met a more loving, warm, compassionate, sweet, gentle man in our lives. Always smiling, laughing, happy and the incredibly generous in all aspects of his life. I know Heaven's gates were open wide on the day he went to meet his King! We will miss you, Mickey, and our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this most difficult time.
February 25, 2013
Angel Stevens
My prayers are with the family of Mr."Mickey" Edward Espinoza Gracia. Angel Stevens
February 25, 2013
There was only one Mickey, he always had a smile and kind word for every one. We worked with him for many years at ASU and enjoyed every minute with him. You will be missed Mickey,may God bless you and may he keep your dear Helen and your familey safe and well. Good bye dear friend for now. Merrill & Sylvia Scow Tempe,Az.
February 25, 2013
Rev. Albert Dare sr.
Mickey, I am looking forward to our visit around the throne of God. I know you have been given a warm welcome home.
February 24, 2013
Jan Welsh
I will always remember your smile and what a hardworking person you were. May your blessings be many, Mickey. God give comfort to your family. Jan Miller Welsh
February 24, 2013
Joyce Miller Crissman
Mickey, you were someone who would always brighten up a day with your warm, wonderful smile. I was so glad I got a chance to visit with you and Helen last year. I still have the picture I took of both of you. You will be so missed by all who knew and loved you but now you are with God who will love you more than any of us on earth ever could. My prayers are with Helen and your family. May you rest in peace in God's loving arms.
February 23, 2013
Fran and Don Frost
We will miss you Mickey... you've touched our lives in many ways... thank you. Rest in Peace. Fran and Don
February 22, 2013
Sandie Apsey
Thank you daddy for being the greatest role model a person could have. Everything I am is a tribute to you. Love you forever and always.
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