HR0162 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0162 LRB096 11659 GRL 22253 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of McClendon Grice, who passed away on October 12, 2008; and

WHEREAS, McClendon Grice was born on February 23, 1931 to the late McClendon Grice Sr. and Ruby McIntosh-Grice; and

WHEREAS, McClendon Grice grew up on the South Side of Chicago, now known as Bronzeville; at the age of 16, he became the man of the house when his father met an untimely death in 1947; he attended Douglas Grade School, Wendell Phillips High School, and was a graduate of Wilson Junior College (Kennedy King College); and

WHEREAS, At the age of 22, McClendon Grice enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a private in Germany from 1953 to 1955; during his time in the Army, he received training as an x-ray technician; after returning to the United States from active duty, he earned his certification from Cook County Hospital; during his certification process, he met and courted Gwendolyn Scates while working at the United States Postal Service; and

WHEREAS, McClendon Grice was employed with the Cook County and University of Chicago hospitals for a number of years; he then switched careers, serving as a Minute Clerk with the United States Federal Courts for 29 years, where he had the honor of working for several federal judges; upon his retirement in 1991, the Chicago Sun-Times published an article in his honor declaring him "The Titan of Federal Minute Clerks"; and

WHEREAS, On August 23, 1958, McClendon Grice married Gwendolyn Scates in a beautiful double ring ceremony; their union was blessed with two children, Steven and Karen, a grandson, Andre, and their special son, Stacie D. Scates; and

WHEREAS, McClendon Grice was an avid traveler who believed in cultural immersion and traveled extensively with his family both in this country and abroad; his travels took him to 20 countries in Africa, Europe, North America, and South America; he was a certified scuba diver and held a special affinity for Jamaica and its ample scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, and exploration opportunities; he also enjoyed reading, playing the trumpet and guitar, and chess, which he shared with his special son, Stacie; and

WHEREAS, McClendon Grice was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joyce; and

WHEREAS, McClendon Grice is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Gwen; his beloved children, Steven (Tonya) and Karen; his grandson, Andre; his most loved and special son, Stacie D. Scates; his special son, Derrick; his special daughter, Sinnika; his sisters, Katie his twin and Betty (Curlee); his brothers-in-law, Lester and Squire; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and

WHEREAS, McClendon Grice will be remembered by all who knew and loved him as a good father and husband whose modesty and hard work inspired his children and the other men in his neighborhood; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of McClendon Grice; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of McClendon Grice as an expression of our sympathy.