Cecil T. Pace, Sr., 1928-2001

The Rev. Cecil T. Pace Sr. and his wife, Ida, were an inspiration to their family and to the many church families they served throughout their years in the United Methodist ministry. Ida died August 29, 2001, and Cecil died just one week later on September 7, 2001. It had been a lifelong calling of Cecil to serve Jesus Christ and he cherished every moment. He especially loved visiting his parishioners and would spend countless hours going to different houses.

He joined the Virginia Conference in 1982. Churches he served included Mt. Pleasant, South Fluvanna, James River, and Rock Spring in the Charlottesville District. He also served Mt. Zion Church in the Charlottesville District in his retirement.

Survivors include his son, C.T. Pace Jr., his wife, Diana, and their children Kelsey and Hannah, of Crozet; his daughter, Tammy Elaine Pace of Richmond; two sisters, Peggy Johnson and Pattie Pace Hann; and a brother, Frank H. Pace.

He truly lived his life preparing to enter Heaven and he preached to others the importance of being ready when God called. While we are deeply saddened by their passing, we gain strength from their ministry and praise God for the time we had together.