Thomas O’Neal Pace passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at his residence, surrounded by family and friends.
Tom was a devoted Christian and an active member of Southside Baptist Church. He retired as Superintendent from the Russellville Street Department in 2008, after serving for over 20 years. He was Chairman of the Russellville Electric Board at the time of his passing. The Russellville Substation was recently renamed the “Tom Pace Substation” in his honor. Tom also owned and operated a lawn care business in Russellville for over 25 years. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter. He was also an enthusiastic fan of Auburn football and enjoyed traveling to games with his friends. Above all else, Tom was a committed family man—the exemplary Christian husband, Dad, and Papa.
The visitation will be 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2104 at Spry Memorial Chapel in Russellville. The funeral service will be Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Southside Baptist Church with the body lying in state for one hour prior the service. The eulogies will be given by David Grissom and Charlie Canida and officiated by Bro. Keith Prince and Bro. Daniel Welborn. Burial will follow at Franklin Memory Gardens.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Thelma Pace; son, Jeffrey Pace; brother, Jack Pace; and sister, Lucy Pace.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Joan Prince Pace; daughter, Miranda Hamilton (Jimmy), Carmel, IN; son, Adam Pace (Angela) Nashville, TN; sisters, Grace Britnell (Orland), Fredia Pounders (Bobby) Bear Creek, Polly Brown (Harold) Boaz, Betty Kiel (Gerald) Russellville; sisters-in-law, Brenda Cooper (Larry), Judy Miller; brother-in-law, Keith Prince (Charlotte), Moulton; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends too numerous to mention in this space, but no less dear to him.
He also leaves behind with his heart full of love for his six beautiful grandchildren, the lights of his life, Allyson Brooke Hamilton, Anna Kate Hamilton, James Mason Hamilton; Madelyn Claire Pace, Charles Thomas Pace, and Molly Elizabeth Pace.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Kiel, Chris Hargett, Jason Miller, Craig Cooper, Chris Wallace, Mike Madden, Matt Cooper, and Chris Pace. The honorary pallbearers will be the Men’s Sunday School Class at Southside Baptist Church that Tom attended.
The family would like to thank the whole community for the great outpouring of love during Tom’s illness. The many acts of kindness are greatly appreciated and will always be remembered. We would also like to thank Southern Care Hospice employees Kristen, Dawn, Cindy, and Chris for their love and attention during Tom’s final days.
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.
