David Thomas Grace

David Thomas Grace died peacefully in New York City on September 11, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.

He was born on May 14, 1965 in Midland, Texas, where he was joyfully welcomed by his parents Robert McCary Grace and Betty Lou Chandler Grace and his four older siblings. Their home was an incubator for characteristics, interests and skills David would hone throughout his life. His core passion for Geology was inherited from his dad. His engaging personality, his desire to know countless people and remember their stories, his love of words including spelling bees, Scrabble and Words with Friends, and his ability to formulate and defend a good argument were traits David shared with his mom. The adoration heaped on David as the youngest of the five siblings formed a foundation of happiness, humor and self-confidence which he carried into every situation. He made everyone around him feel valued and appreciated – grateful to be recognized and remembered. His generosity was legendary!

David attended The Hillander School, where his mother taught first grade, and Midland High School. He graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Geology. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. He became a huge fan, supporter and benefactor of the TCU athletics programs. After college he returned to Midland to begin what would be a storied career in oil and gas.

He met and was instantly smitten by his soon-to-be wife, Diana Urrutia. David introduced Diana to the family at Thanksgiving in San Antonio in 1989. They married in Midland on October 17, 1992. In 1996, they welcomed their beloved daughter, Caroline Elizabeth. From the time she was a tiny child, nothing made her parents happier than creating lasting memories sharing countless experiences with her. Their dreams for Caroline were fulfilled when she met the love of her life, J.C. Jones of Brady. At Caroline and J.C.’s wedding in June of this year, David spoke of J.C. as the son he had always wanted and cemented J.C.’s place in the family. That occasion was, undoubtedly, the happiest day of David and Diana’s lives.

David began his career in Midland at Henry Petroleum, where he worked for 18 years. At Henry, he helped initiate the Wolfberry play in the Midland Basin, culminating in the sale of Henry Petroleum to Concho Resources in 2008. He then served as Chief Geologist at Patriot Resources, where he introduced and advanced the Wolfbone concept.

Later, as Exploration Manager at ExL Petroleum, David led technical efforts that resulted in significant successes in the Southern Delaware Basin. In 2022, he founded Vulcan Exploration. The Vulcan team spent two years providing advisory services to MCM Energy, ultimately leading to Vulcan’s integration into MCM in 2024. At the time of his death, David was serving as Senior Vice President of Geosciences for MCM Energy Partners.

David was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), the West Texas Geological Society (WTGS) where he served as President 2003-2004, and the Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists. In 2017, he delivered a video presentation, “Evolution of the Wolfbone Play,” for the AAPG Playmaker Forum. He also served as the technical volume editor for the landmark WTGS publication, “The Permian Basin: Providing Energy for America.”

David Grace was energized by and excited about each chapter and challenge of his career. While he worked hard, he also played just as hard. He maintained countless friendships and enthusiastically filled his calendar with friends and family, travel to exotic places, golf, hunting and TCU football games.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Diana, his beloved daughter, Caroline Grace (J.C.) Jones, his siblings Susan Grace (Jim) Wilson, Robert “Bobby” McCary Grace, Jr., Nancy Grace Jackson, John Charles (Jill) Grace, and by several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews on both sides of his family – each of whom is sure they are David’s favorite!

David was preceded in death by his parents, Robert McCary Grace and Betty Lou Chandler Grace and by his brother-in-law, Dr. Mell Charles Jackson, Jr.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Ireland, the MICU team at Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York, and their friends, Miles McPherren, Lawson Mertz, Kelvin Fisher, Leigha McBride, Darrin and Tracey Salge, Michael and Ginger Bodino and Kenton and Gwen McKeehan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Texas Christian University, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Permian Basin, or the charity of one’s choice.

A funeral service will be held at First Methodist Church in Midland at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 10. A celebration of David’s life will follow at The Petroleum Club. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Midland. Online condolences may be made at

www.npwelch.com.

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