Billy Dee Pace

Billy Dee Pace, 56, formerly of El Dorado Springs, passed away, Thursday, May 7, 2009, in Callaway, FL. He was born July 12, 1952, to Billy Newton Pace and Doris Jean (Mays) Pace in Lebanon.

Billy Dee grew up in this area and graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1970. He drove a truck for Alexander Trucking for a few years before moving to Kansas City where he was employed with Sears.

Bill joined the Air Force, signing up in Joplin. After finishing boot camp at Lackland AFB, TX, he went to tech school in Denver, CO, to train as an instrumentation and telemetry systems craftsman. He worked in research and development. In 1984 he was stationed at Hill AFB, UT, disposing of rocket motors and later performing administrative duties.

While in Utah, he met the love of his life, Paula Jean (Meyers) Pace, and they were married in 1987 at Hill AFB, UT. They transferred to Tyndall AFB, FL, in 1988 where their two sons, William “Willie” Paul Pace and Jesse Dee Pace, were born. Billy Dee retired in 1995 after serving his country for 20 years.

As a teenager, Bill learned to paint and master carpentry skills from his father. He continued to use these talents at home, work and for others. He took pride in his work and enjoyed meeting and becoming friends with his clients.

Bill loved sports and was a very proud baseball dad watching Willie and Jesse play.

Bill loved to golf and went every Sunday with his buddies. Even when he was unable to drive or too weak to play, they would pick him and take him along just so they could spend time together. He cherished these friendships.


Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Newton Pace and Doris Jean (Mays) Pace.

He is survived by an older brother, Jim Pace, wife, Joyce – Nixa, and their children Jeneva Powell, husband, Doug, and their son, Reece – Columbia, and Angie Pace, husband, Joe Philipose – Raleigh, NC, Mac Pace and fiancee, Trinity Hardin – St. Charles, and Katie Pace and fiancee, Aaron Blue – Rolla. Bill has a younger sister, Jeanne Hoagland, husband, John, and their children, Spencer and Drue – Schell City; and a stepmother, Lillian Pace – El Dorado Springs.

Services were held Tuesday, May 12, in the First Baptist Church of Callaway, Panama City, FL, with Rev. Howard Browning officiating. Interment was in the Garden of Memories under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home, Panama City, FL.

Pallbearers were Willie Pace, Jesse Pace, John Hoagland, Harold Ruth, Walt Willey and Stan Sexton.