"Mickey" Edward Espinoza Gracia

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.