George Francis Brace

George Francis Brace of Sanford, North Carolina, joyfully entered the presence of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, on April 16, 2026.

Born on August 8, 1938, and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, George was the son of the late John Brace and Lillian Crenshaw. He graduated from Trade High School in 1956, and immediately began a career in the Armed Forces, joining the US Army. He began as a cook and later was an Army recruiter. He retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1976. George proudly served two tours in Vietnam - he was rarely seen without a ball cap that read, “Vietnam Veteran”.

While stationed in Germany, he was smitten by a Japanese beauty from Hawai’i named Michiko Miyashiro, and after a whirlwind courtship, whisked her away to Switzerland, where they were married. Their union was blessed with two children, Barry and Tisha.

After retiring from the military, George joined his family in Hawai’i, on the island of Kauai’, calling it home for the next 30 years. During that time, George worked as a Food Service Manager at various locations, including Kaua’i Community College, Kapa’a High School on Kaua’i, and Kahi Mohala on O’ahu. George was an avid golfer and also an accomplished tennis player, at one point being the number one ranked player in Hawai’i in his age group.

After his retirement in the private sector, George and Michiko moved to Las Vegas, NV, to be nearer to family. While George enjoyed playing golf and tennis, he also loved serving veterans and the homeless through his church, often preparing meals for them. George and Michiko moved to Florida in 2018, where Michiko passed. They enjoyed 57 years together. In 2022, George followed his daughter Tisha’s family to North Carolina.

George had an engaging personality, and keen sense of humor. He was both hospitable and generous to friends and strangers alike. He also loved to share his faith in Jesus with others, wanting them to join him in heaven someday.

He dearly loved and took great pride in his family. “Grandpa” George thought nothing of driving halfway across the country to celebrate a grandchild’s birth, graduation, or wedding, and made such treks even well into his eighties. He prayed daily for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

George is survived by his son, Barry (Heidi) Brace of Montevideo, MN, and daughter Tisha (Ronald) Forfia of Sanford, North Carolina; four loving grandchildren, Lindsey (Aaron) French, Jesse (Raelin) Brace, Emily Brace, Christopher Forfia; three great grandchildren, Harlan, Arabella, and Niecy.

May his memory and legacy be blessed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Cox Memorial..."Serving GOD, by serving families in a time of need."

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