Hickory E. Grace, Jr., of Middlesboro, long-time member and vice chair of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) Board of Directors since 2001, died May 6. He was 82.

Mr. Grace brought decades of professional experience to the position. Mr. Grace attended both Auburn University and Lincoln Memorial University before graduating from Eastern Kentucky University and earning Rank 1 teaching certification. Mr. Grace also was a member of the U.S. Air Force, serving during World War II.

Beginning in 1948, Mr. Grace spent 21 years as a teacher and school administrator in Bell County. He immediately followed his teaching career with a 29-year tenure as Bell County’s property valuation administrator. 

“His dedicated service, wry sense of humor, and sharp intellect will certainly be missed,” said Jeff Whitehead, EKCEP’s Executive Director. “Hickory was committed to our mission of helping find jobs for people and people for jobs throughout EKCEP’s 23-county region. Hickory was an avid outdoorsman, and his love for our region -- and especially for his family and home in Bell County -- was everpresent.”  

In addition to his service on the EKCEP Board of Directors, Mr. Grace also served on the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency’s Board of Directors since that agency’s inception.

Mr. Grace leaves behind his wife Eleanor, children Charles and LuJayne, four grandchildren, and other family members as well as numerous friends. He was buried at Pineville Memorial Cemetery on May 9, 2009.