Jacky Don Pace, 69, of Brandon, passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, after a long battle of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Arrangements are being handled by Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon. There will be a graveside public service at New Bethlehem Cemetery in Magee at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23.
Jack was born March 4,1951, in Ethel, MS. He proudly served his country in the Army as a surveyor while stationed in Germany. Upon his return from service, he attended Hinds Junior College and Mississippi College, obtaining a Bachelors’ degree in Accounting.
Jack met Melissa Lynn Smith, who was the love of his life, in September of 1974. They were married on March 17, 1978. Their love for one another was like a love story you would read from a novel. Jack would say “imagination is all you need.”
Jack loved going on family adventures with his wife and two sons. They would attend many baseball games out-of-state. His oldest son, Josh, would throw the baseball with him in the yard at the Culley house as a child. Jack and Josh would spend many hours working on his ‘77 Toyota Celica together. Bryan, Jack's youngest son, would go fishing at the spillway and they would throw the football together. Jack gave Bryan his first beer that they enjoyed together.
Jack has three grandchildren. Ace, the oldest, who helped care for Jack after his dementia started to set in. Next is Waverly, she loved her Papa. Her Papa was the firecracker to her eyes. He was one of her favorite humans. Then the youngest, Sweet Wrenely. The first time Jack saw her, his words were “that’s a Pace right there.”
Jack loved to work outdoors in his yard. He would spend hours manicuring his azaleas, crepe myrtles or roses. He was always willing to help neighbors and friends with outdoor projects.
Jack was so loved. His memory will be carried on by his loved ones.
Jack is preceded in death by his mother, Wanda Steed Pace; sister, Margie Carol Pace Edwards (George); and brother, Jimmy Dale Pace.
He is survived by his wife, Melissa Lynn Smith Pace of Brandon; sons, Joshua Daniel Pace of Brandon and Bryan Matthew (Niki) Pace of Brandon; brothers, Jerrell Dean (Candy) of Kosciusko and Jerry Clarence (Linda) of Clinton; grandchildren, Ace Barr, Waverly Coral Pace and Wrenley Kassell Pace; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter, PO Box 456, Ridgeland, MS 39158.
