Grover Cleveland (Cleve) Pace, Jr., age 76, was called home to be with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday December 12th, 2020 in Ashland, AL. Cleve was born February 26, 1944, to the late Grover Cleveland Pace, Sr. and Mabel Allen Pace. He had a strong work ethic and started working at a young age. He first ran a paper route and then worked for the Ashland theater which was his favorite job. He graduated from Clay County High School (CCHS) in 1962 and worked on his father’s farm.
On March 20, 1965, he married Barbara Ann Sparks and they made their home in Ashland. In 1966 Cleve was called to serve in the U.S. Army and spent a tour in Vietnam serving his country. After returning from Vietnam, he worked with the Tri-County Telephone Company and then worked for Alabama Power where he spent most of his working years as a lineman.
Cleve loved rural life, farming, and working with his hands. He was of the fourth generation living in Clay County/Alabama on both sides of his family and the farm he worked has been in the family since the Civil War. Of most importance, was to live a life that reflected his love for Christ. He stood firm on principles of God, loved and cared for his late wife, Barbara, for 55 years, and gave of himself to help his family. He was a loyal faithful friend to many who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
Cleve grew up attending Ashland First United Methodist Church and was a founding member of the First Assembly of God in Ashland, AL.
Survivors include sisters – Betty Jane Reaves (Jerry) and Caroline Nelson (Harry), nephew Sam Reaves (Jennifer) and grand-nephew Luke. Brother/sister-in-law – Bill and Ester Sparks, Mary Horn (late Frank Horn), and Donald Sparks (late Dimple Sparks). He had many nieces and nephews by marriage – Patty East (late Phillip East), Wanda Camp, Randy Sparks, Tim Sparks(Sherri) Richard Sparks(Dianne), Rita Anderson(Russel), Steven Sparks, Rosemary Givens(Dan), Sandra Benefield(Matt), Janice Jones(Kevin) and a myriad of great nieces/nephews, and great-great nieces/nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents, Grover Cleveland Pace, Sr. and Mabel Allen Pace; grandparents Dreadzil Lee Evans Pace and Nancy Elizabeth Dean Pace; William Timothy Allen and Cora Horn Allen; niece by marriage Phyllis Upchurch.
Cleve was a godly man who would lend advice and offer personal help whenever he could. His strong, quiet spirit will be missed by all. What a joy it must be for him to celebrate Christmas face-to-face with its Mighty Founder, Jesus Christ! A private graveside service was held Monday December 14th, 2020 at Ashland City Cemetery. Sam Reaves, Matt Benefield, Dan Givens, Kevin Jones, Tim Sparks, and Jeff Williams served as pallbearers. Billy Wayne Royals and Ronald Mattox served as honorary pallbearers.
The family requests that memorials be made to the First Assembly of God, P.O. Box 697, Ashland, AL 36251.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
