Joseph B. “Skip” Gracey April 25, 1944 – June 2, 2021

Joseph B. “Skip” Gracey, died Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at home. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Joseph L. and Dora K. (Whittaker) Gracey. On Oct. 15, 1983, he married Linda Thompson at Harbison Chapel on the Grove City College campus. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his sons and their wives: Douglas (Kae Brown) of Casper WY, Michael (Tracey) of Murfreesboro, TN, and Christopher (Kim) of Monument, CO; seven grandchildren: Promise Jensen, Zack, Abby, Rachel, Anneliese, Henry, and Gavin Gracey; and a great-granddaughter, Miya Gracey. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Tom (Trisha) of Apollo; sisters-in-law: Alma Gracey of Skelp, and Sharon Townsend (Ray) of Dayton; special niece, Melinda (Dan) Newman and children, Clay and Ella of Saline, Mich.; and many other nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Andrew and Timothy. Skip retired from Dick Lavy Trucking, Bradford, Ohio, in 2009 after almost 10 years of service. He had a varied career journey that comprised several management positions including serving as vice president and general manager of Keystone Bulk Logistics, a division of the Everett Railroad Company in Duncansville, as well as a general supervisor of material, a supervisor and foreman of material at Conrail Corp., Altoona. He was also a lubrication technician for Vipond & Vipond Construction Co., Hollidaysburg from 1965-73. In 1986, he established Pleasant Valley Marine Sales, a boat sales and service shop that served the region for eight years. His business earned the Winners’ Circle Award in 1989 from Fisher Marine for being a Top Ten dealership in sales and the 1990 Keller’s President’s Club Award in recognition of outstanding sales and service. Skip served in the Army Corps of Engineers from 1962-65 and was one of five men out of 40 who received special recognition for construction of a Hawk Missile Site in South Korea. He continued his service to his country as a member of the US Army Reserve as a general operator and wheeled vehicle mechanic from 1974-84. He was serving as assistant motor sergeant when he was honorably discharged. He was a member of Trans4mation Church and served as a volunteer at the former after-school program at Hope Community Church. Skip was a 1962 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School and treasured those friendships throughout his life. He enjoyed fishing, especially for muskies, target shooting, hunting, and car racing. He especially loved working on cars and taking his classic car to shows and cruises with his Blair County Antique Auto Club and Mid-State Mopars Club buddies. Arrangements are by Plank, Stitt & Stevens Funeral Home, 421 Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg. Friends will be received from 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021, at Trans4mation Church, 1001 S. First St., Altoona, with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m. The service will be live streamed on the Trans4mation Church Facebook site. Because Skip believed in encouraging the potential of the area’s youth, memorial donations may be given to The Nehemiah Project for the Wright Place for Kids, 1809 11th St., Altoona, PA 16601. Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.