W. Charles Grace

Walter Charles Grace, known professionally as W. Charles Grace and to family and friends as Chuck, died on July 24, 2026 at the age of 79. A longtime resident of Carbondale, Illinois, Chuck devoted his career to the law and to public service, serving Southern Illinois as an attorney, public defender, prosecutor, United States Attorney, and Circuit Court Judge.

Chuck was born on March 4, 1947, in Elmira, New York. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Duke University in 1969 and received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1972.

Soon after completing law school, Chuck began a legal career that would span five decades. He served as an assistant state’s attorney in Jackson County and later worked in private practice in Carbondale and Murphysboro. Over the course of his career, he also served as Jackson County Public Defender and as Jackson County State’s Attorney.

In 1993, Chuck was appointed United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. In that role, he oversaw significant federal prosecutions and investigations, including major public-corruption and health-care-fraud matters. He was known for sharing credit with the prosecutors, investigators, law-enforcement officers, and staff members who worked alongside him, and for approaching public service with seriousness, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Chuck later continued his service to the law as an Illinois Circuit Judge. On the bench, he earned a reputation for fairness, careful judgment, and respect for the attorneys, court personnel, litigants, and citizens who appeared before him.

Throughout his professional life, Chuck participated in legal, civic, and victims’ advocacy organizations. His service included involvement with the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association, the Illinois Violent Crime Victims Advisory Board, the Southern Illinois American Inn of Court, and local efforts relating to juvenile justice, child advocacy, and gang prevention.

Although his professional accomplishments were substantial, Chuck will be remembered just as much for the qualities he brought to his work and relationships. He was thoughtful, principled, loyal, and deeply committed to the people and communities of Southern Illinois. He valued preparation over showmanship, fairness over expediency, and public service over personal recognition. To younger lawyers and colleagues, he was a mentor and a trusted source of wisdom. To his family and friends, he was devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Chuck is survived by a son, Charles “Chip” Brigham Grace, a daughter, Katherine “Katey” Anne Grace, a daughter-in-law, Emily Cullen Grace and three grandchildren, Elizabeth Cullen Grace, Charles William Remmers Grace, and Gemma Rose Grace. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Eaglen Grace, as well as his parents and two brothers.

Chuck Grace’s life was defined by service—to his family, to the legal profession, to the courts, and to the people of Southern Illinois. His integrity and devotion to justice leave an enduring legacy.

A Celebration of Life reception, hosted by the family, will be held on August 29th, starting at 4 pm at the Giant City Lodge.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Chuck visit www.meredithfh.com.