Charlie Pace

Visitation:
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
6:00 PM until 8:00 PM
Wayne Boze Funeral Home
1826 W.Hwy 287 Business
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Service:
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
1:00 PM
University Assembly of God Church
221 Solon Rd
Waxahachie, Tx 75165

Family and friends are going to miss one of the devoted citizens of Ellis County. Charlie E. Pace crossed the Great Divide on Sunday morning, January 18, 2009 at 9:31 AM with his wife at his side holding his hand. Before he slipped away he had time to tell his sweetheart that he loved her and to wave to his daughter. He fought a good fight spiritually and physically against the dread disease of Hepatitis C.
Charlie E. Pace was born September 5, 1923 to Reverend J. V. and Bernice Pace in Somervell County, Texas. He was married August 18, 1953 at University Asembly of God Church to the love of his life, Evelyn Vaden. To this union was born one daughter, Janis Gail Pace, who is currently an Associate Professor at Southwestern Assemblies of God University.
He was a faithful member of University Assembly of God Church in Waxahachie from 1956 to present where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, directed devotions for the adult department, served as a board member, head usher, visitation and hospital outreach ministries. Charlie also served as District Light for the Lost Director for over 17 years. He traveled extensively promoting banquets to raise money for literature for the missionaries to use, especially in foreign lands. He was truly a "Soldier of the Cross".
He started working in the grocery business at age 14. He then was called into the service for his country during World War II in 1943. He served in the 78th Infantry, 311 Regiment in the European Theater--Battles and Campaigns--Ardennes--Rhineland (Hurtgen Forest Battle). After his return home he resumed his grocery work and retired from Kroger Food Company after 33 1/2 years in January of 1986.
He last worked at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home where he served until his health no longer permitted him to do so.
Charlie was an active member of his community. His service was for "God and Country". He served as Ellis County Christian Men's Fellowship Breakfast President, Post Commander of the JoVan Marchbanks American Legion Post #137, Amerigan Legion member for 63 years, member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the City of Waxahachie, member of the Texas State Guard for 25 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He also was a charter member of the Waxahachie Kiwanis Club and a life member of the VFW.
He loved spending time with his family, keeping a well groomed lawn, watching the Rangers, and going to a good rodeo. Going to Whataburger to visit with his many friends and neighbors was often the highlight of his day. His motto was "If you cannot say something good about someone, just do not say anything".
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Evelyn Vaden Pace and his "Angel" daughter, Janis Gail Pace. He is also survived by two brothers, Verdie Pace and wife Wynell of Burleson, TX., Marlin Pace and wife Doris of Brenham, TX.; two sisters, Joy Pace Mann of Lakewood, CO., and Eva Dell Pace of Frederick MD.; brother-in-law, Denver Adams of Burleson, TX.; sister-in-law, Grace Vaden Schumacher of Seymour, TX.; many much loved nieces, nephews, and cousins; special friends, Eldon and Betty Conrad and Garland and Rebecca Walker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend J.V. and Bernice Pace; two sisters, Nevalene Pace Howard and Oleta "Bootsie" Pace Adams, and niece Doris Howard Patterson.
Pallbearers include Larry Pace, Mike Pace, Jimmy Pace, Darren Adams, Tommy Howard, and Mike Howard. Honorary pallbearers include Eldon Conrad, James Barnes, Floyd Bates, Sr., Earl Roberts, Lloyd Stone and Larry Wallace.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Tuesday, January 20 at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home. The Celebration of the Life of Charlie E. Pace will be 1 PM Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at the University Assembly of God Church, Waxahachie. Interment will follow at the Waxahachie City Cemetery.
The family request donations be made to the University Assembly of God Church, 221 Solon Road, Waxahachie, TX. 75165 or the American Red Cross/Blood Banks.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wayne Boze Funeral Home.
www.waynebozefuneralhome.com


Charlie Pace
Working well into his 80's even as his health declined, Charlie never cared much for retirement. There were always too many things to be done, too many people to help out and too many souls in need of ministering.
While I've only had the privilege of knowing Charlie for the past dozen years, I find it impossible to believe the man ever lost his cool or raised his voice during his entire 85 years of life.
Always calm and collected, Charlie was a beacon of peace and tranquility.
Regardless of how bad of a day you were having, he had this rare ability to calm troubled spirits with a touch of his hand and a soothing monotone voice sweetened by a Texas drawl.
"Brother Neal," he would say - he always called me "Brother Neal" as he put his hand on my shoulder and gently squeezed it in a kind embrace. And when he touched you, you could literally feel a surge of energy move from his fingers and spread throughout your entire body.
I asked him about that one time. Charlie just smiled that famous smile where he tilted his head to one side, paused for a second or two and then gave a wink.
"Brother Neal, that's not me, That's the Holy Spirit talkin' to you. I'm just the messenger,"
Charlie said as he pulled a business card-sized tract out of his pocket and placed it in my hand before asking me to join him in a prayer.
Charlie was a firm believer in the power of prayer and never hesitated to seek the Lord's guidance. I can't even begin to count the prayers he said for me and my family over the short amount of time we knew each other.
But Charlie would do the same for anyone -whether he knew them or not.
Several years ago Charlie helped me transfer my American Legion membership from Wisconsin to the Waxahachie chapter where he served as the Post Commander. Shortly after the transfer came through, Charlie asked me to give a speech at the next meeting about what I did in the Navy.
The night of the meeting we all gathered around the table, breaking bread and enjoying the fellowship of fellow Legionnaires. Charlie had all the vets stand, introduce themselves and talk about their experiences in the military. A few of the guys, like Charlie, had served in World War II.
When Charlie talked about the battles he took part in with the 78th Infantry in Europe and how in the darkest hours God had taken his hand and pulled him through, tears streamed down my face.
He gave credit to God for seeing him through the horrors of mankind at its worst. He devoted his life to repaying that debt by spreading God's word with an unwavering faith that through God, the goodness of humanity could flourish.
When it came my turn to speak, I was at a total loss for words.
With a wink and a smile, Charlie urged me on.
I told them how humbled I felt to be included at their table. While I served my country with honor and pride, I was never in combat. I told them what I did and some of the different ports of call my ship sailed into. Compared to them, pretty tame stuff - especially when you consider my most harrowing experience in the Navy occurred while taking out the trash and a rouge wave nearly washed me overboard.
AT least I left them with a laugh.
"See, I told you that you had a good story to share that everyone would like," Charlie said, giving me another wink.
That's how he was, always finding a way to lift up others with kindness and love and a gentle touch.
I will miss our regular visits that always began with, "Brother Neal, you reckon we can...."
I will miss hearing about his ministry projects through his church and the Ellis County Christian Men's Fellowship and the compassion he felt for helping those in need.
I will miss the way he would tilt his head and flash that smile, followed by a short pause and wink-- his way of sending a message of love and fellowship that transcended spoken words.
Even now, when the grief at times seems overpowering, I can almost hear Charlie's voice speaking out to me.
"Brother Neal, remember what I told you and rejoice! And don't worry yourself, I'll make sure and save you a seat. Praise the Lord, Brother Neal, praise the Lord."
If I close my eyes I can see him standing beside me, head tilted with that familiar, warm smile on his face followed by a trademark wink.
Thank you Charlie.