Derek Ryan Gracey (28) of Bluford

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Published on January 26 2020 7:47 am

Derek Ryan Gracey, 28, of Bluford, IL, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL surrounded by his family.

A celebration of Derek’s life will be held from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020 at New Life United Pentecostal Church, 211 North Fourth Street, Effingham, IL. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family.

Memorial may be made to the family or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Derek was born on September 29, 1991, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the son of James and Sena (Rothe) Gracey.

Derek was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Illini fan and enjoyed attending games. He loved playing basketball with friends. Derek also enjoyed the outdoors and music concerts. Above all else, Derek was a hardworking, loving young man who would help anyone in need.

Derek is survived by his parents, Jim and Sena Gracey; sister, Brandi Gracey; nephews, Aiden Krumwiede and Lenyx Lugo, niece, Lyric Lugo; and extended family, Eric Krumwiede and his children, Alaina and Aston, and Jessica Patterson and her children, Zayne and Zeplin.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; and brother, Joshua “Josh” Gracey.