Preston “Peppy” Grace, Jr. passes away on Monday January 16, 2021.
He graduated from Batesville High School and Arkansas College (now Lyon College), and served with the Arkansas National Guard; owned and operated several local businesses; co-founded and served as president/CEO of Independence Federal Bank; served as a Batesville Jaycee and as president of the Batesville Rotary Club; and founded W.R.D. Entertainment, which, at the time, operated a family of four local radio stations.
The company, now known as White River Now, currently operates six radio stations as well as the online local news site, WhiteRiverNow.com.
Bob Connell with Timeless 106.1 KFFB said, “It’s with a sad heart to hear about the passing of Preston, he was a visionary for the broadcast industry and gave me the opportunity early in my broadcasting career, and for that I will always be grateful.”
A private graveside service will be held with the family.
