Everett Pace's Obituary
August 20, 1957 – April 16, 2020
Though cherished memories we rejoice in the midst of pain. A Knight has risen. A Scholar has risen. A Priest has risen. An Honorable King, Companion, and Father. An authentic Hero, Warrior, and Carpenter of this earth. Now in the likeness of God. Our Paramount Chief, Leroy, builds his Kingdom in the comfort of our ancestors.
We find solace that pride in his legacy can be had without bounds. At peace on his family estate located on the edge of Swan Creek Forest; Tacoma, Washington. A giant soul with a huge heart; has departed with grace as a result of heart failure.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was the second child and only son of Orea Pace and Addie Mae Pace. Named in honor of his maternal grandfather Everett Benjamin and paternal grandfather Leroy Pace. As a young boy, he moved with his family to the San Francisco Bay Area. Attending elementary, middle, and Rancho Cotate high school (San Francisco, Novato, and Rohnert Park). Following high school, Leroy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. His initial posting was Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he quickly earned his corporal strips for "outstanding performance, duty proficiency and demonstrated professional abilities''. Later a station in Japan and a Navel Tour while overseas gave the opportunity to travel extensively.
A Sergeant Returning with Honor, found purpose with Pacific Bell telephone company in San Francisco. Outside of work, he enjoyed dining out and visiting places of interest, amusement, and beauty. Pursuing art and tennis; becoming a strong competitor on San Francisco's public court amateur circuit. He developed his passion for the sport in high school.
As a child, Leroy was distinctly curious. Every bit of new information he received was met with the question 'why?'. That inquisitiveness kindled in him a deep interest in the world, literature, and theology. He read widely, his repertoire included science fiction, African-American literature, biographies, history and more. A passion for sports and a love for technical education. His pursuit continued as a fulltime student at Santa Rosa (CA) Junior College. Best of Class, in electronic security systems technology. A pioneer program at the time from Clover Park Technical College earning an Associate's degree and work as a regional manager for Pinkerton security company. A member of the Veterans Of Foreign Wars. His professional experience expanded to include; receiving skills and training in Civil engineering through Bates Technical
College, Conducting Federal Contracts through JBLM. Pride for the "Big 12" gave the opportunity to serve as Honorary Communication Director for the Skyhawks, a Toyota Center Arena Football team in Wenatchee, Wa.
From the Bay Area meeting the love of his life; wife of 35 years, Sallie Ann Hagins to the red sand of Mississippi. Settling onto the tribal land of the Puyallup Indians with their three daughters Andrea, Alicia, and Angela. A dedicated family man, and a patient and caring father who taught his daughters his values and beliefs, and how to be good people. A Mormon, taking his experience as a Knights of Columbus member, into Priesthood.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Addie Mae Pace; and sister Yumiko Janine (nee Pace) Hawkins. He is survived by his wife Sallie Pace and daughters Andrea (Darin), Alicia, and Angela Pace. Grandchildren; Mya, Philadelphia, and Atlantis Pace. In addition, parents Orea Pace and Rosa Pace (stepmother) of Labadieville, Louisiana; sisters Ora Johnson (Tim) of Brandon MS, Lanita Pace-Hinton (Keith) of Richmond, CA, Beverly Pace of Tacoma, WA and Veronica Harmon (James) of Vacaville, CA.
A viewing will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood, WA on 05/20/2020.
A celebration of life service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mountain View chapel and an Honor Guard internment at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA will be held at a later date.
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