Roy Brace

February 9, 1921 – June 12, 2012

Roy Brace, age 91, passed away peacefully with his loving wife Clara, by his side on June 12, 2012.

Roy was born in Sunny Slope, Oklahoma in Creek County, to Arthur Arnold Brace and Lena Mae (Nauman) Brace. He attended Wainwright Oklahoma High School through his sophomore year, but because of the unexpected death of his father, he had to leave school to help support his mother and siblings. Roy moved to Fresno County, California in 1939 and worked for local farmers doing various jobs. He joined the United States Army January 21, 1941 in Sacramento, California and served his country until November 27, 1945.

Roy served with the 80th battalionand supervised a crew of 12 mechanics in charge of repairing and maintaining a fleet of tanks, jeeps and M34 2 _ ton cargo transports, the predecessor to the “Deuce-and-a-half” M35 trucks.

During this time he was awarded the Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. He obtained his GED while serving and achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant. After an honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to California. Roy settled down in Watsonville, California in 1955 where he resided until his death.

He married Clara R. (Highland) Brace December 9, 1972 in San Jose, California. He worked for Meadow Gold Dairy for 38 years as head plant engineer and after retirement he went on to work for Meals on Wheels for 10 years. Roy attended the Corralitos Community Church and belonged to the local grange, serving on their board for many years. He enjoyed gardening, fixing cars/trucks, and the family’s annual camping trip to Yosemite.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents Arthur & Lena Mae Brace, sisters Vera Mae “Goldie”Wood (1973), Jessie M. Martin (1992), brothers Charley Brace (1978), Delbert Gene Brace (2004), sons Allen Leroy Brace (2002), Larry Neal Brace (1974) and grandson Eric Brace (1999). He is survived by his wife of 39 years Clara R. Brace, Children: Douglas Brace, Barbara Bowers, Patricia Lamb, Mark Brace, Rochelle McCoy, Randy Brace, and Renee Harvey, 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ave Maria Memorial Chapel in Watsonville, CA provided the cremation service. Roy’s memorial service will be held June 24, 2012 at the Corralitos Community Church, 26 Brown’s Valley Rd., Watsonville, CA 95076 at 2:00pm with a reception to follow.

For the complete article see the 06-16-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 06-16-2012 paper.

Share on Facebook