William (Bill) Richard Pace, 79, passed away Monday, May 22, 2023, at his home with family in Fayetteville, Tennessee, following his courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William H Pace and Lottie Iwan Pace, and brother, Robert “Putts “Pace.

He is survived by Sylvia, his loving wife of 55 years; two sons, Billy Pace (Missy) and Richie Pace (Cathy), 12 grandchildren; sister, Priscilla Hollowell (James); and brother, Gary Pace (Vickie).

The oldest of four siblings, Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois, but the family relocated when he was in grade school. Bill called Paducah, Kentucky, home for the next several decades until settling in Fayetteville, Tennessee, to be closer to his grandkids. It was in Paducah, shortly after returning from the Vietnam War where he served in the Military Police, that he met the love of his life, Sylvia (Benard), on a blind date. After a short engagement, they were married in January of 1968. Bill worked at and retired from Air Products after more than three decades, but it was their family business that he and Sylvia started that was his passion. Precious Memories, which started as a part-time job, transitioned into a full-scale enterprise over the next 40 years. During those years traveling the craft-show circuit, the two made lifelong friends and gathered numerous, laughter-filled stories that they continued to share up until Bill’s last days.

Always a friendly and exuberant character, Bill easily made new friends and was ever eager to share and make new stories with people. At every stage, location, and time of his life Bill formed strong, lasting, friendships. Bill had a variety of interests, many focusing on history, antique coins, and “watching ball,” but his greatest joy was his grandchildren and their activities.

A memorial service will be held for Bill at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023, at St. Anthony’s church in Fayetteville Tennessee. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to Hospice at Gentiva 305 1⁄2 South Jackson Street, Tullahoma TN 37388 in Bill’s honor.

Lynchburg Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.