Hoover Eugene “Gene” Pace, 90, of Muscle Shoals Alabama, passed away Sunday, February 24th, 2019 at North Alabama Medical Center in Florence. A native of Franklin County, Gene was the next to youngest of 12 siblings. As a young man, he attended Russellville High School. While there he found his first love, sports. He loved to play basketball and baseball. After graduating high school, he took a job as a bank teller in Birmingham, in hopes to build a prosperous career in business but hit a slight detour on the way. In 1950 he answered the call of duty and enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed at Curlew Air Force Base in Washington where he served as an Air Defense Technician during the Korean War. During his time in the Air Force, he participated in club Basketball and Baseball. The urban legend is he was a dominant pitcher and earned the nickname: “Hoover the Jet Ace Pace.” It was an honor he’d never let any of his friends and family forget! In 1953 he met Doris Yvonne Elkins. Later that year he proposed to Doris, by mail, and married on December 26th, 1953. For a short time, Doris and Gene lived in Washington before moving back to Alabama in August of 1954. Later that year their first child, Roland, was born. After returning to Alabama, Gene resumed his career in the Banking industry. Throughout many days, nights, and years of hard work, school, and the birth of two more children (Richard and Lori), his career ascended quickly. By the late 60’s Gene became Vice president of First National Bank of Birmingham. While living in Birmingham he discovered another passion, golf. He swore “golf is the greatest game in the world.” His love for the game was so contagious it inspired his children and grandchildren to pick up the game as well. In 1973 he returned home to Russellville to be President of Citizens Bank and Savings Co. Not only was he the leader of the bank, he was one of the most respected men in the community. He served on the Electric Board as Chairman, an Ordained Deacon of First Baptist Church, and was President of the Civitan Club. As accomplished of a businessman as he was, there was a certain skill he always lacked. Fashion sense. His children recall: “Our Mom had to dress him every day!” He spent 17 years in his role as president when he decided to “semi-retire” in 1990, and fully retire in 1999. During his retirement, he and Doris traveled across the United States with their Good Sam Club. He spent valuable time with each of his grandchildren, continued to be a devout member of his church, and volunteered his time for faith-based causes. After Doris’ passing, he grew even closer to his dog, Curly, calling him “his little lifeline.” He was faithful, driven, humble, gracious, and fair. The story of Gene’s life is one that could truly be called the American dream.
Visitation with family and friends will be Thursday, February 28, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville. Services will begin at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Daryl Pace and Larry Lee officiating. Pallbearers will include Chris Pace, Troy Harlow, Morgan Wilson, Jake Russell, Josh Wilson and Philip Roberson. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Mr. Pace is survived by his children, Roland Pace and wife Beth, Richard Pace and wife Carolyn, and Lori Wilson and husband Mike; grandchildren, Josh Wilson (Micah), Jake Russell (Rachel), Morgan Wilson, Chris Pace (Jenny) and Bridgette Harlow (Troy); great-grandchildren, Carter and Lane Harlow, Wyatt, Mattie, Zeb and Adah Wilson, and Rivers Russell; brothers, Ford Pace (Mary) and Copeland Pace; and one sister-in-law, Carol Sue Roberson (L.O.).
Mr. Pace was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Doris Y. Pace; parents, Simon and Mary James Pace; eight siblings and one infant sibling.
Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville, is directing.
