Edward "Pace" McDonald III

Edward Pace McDonald, III passed away on December 3, 2022 to be with his Lord and Savior. A son to Pace McDonald Jr. and Margueritte Burnett McDonald, Pace was born on May 12, 1938 in Palestine, TX. He and his loving wife Judy were lifelong residents of Palestine until retiring to Georgetown, TX.
Pace never met a stranger. He enjoyed meeting people and sharing experiences. He was a good man with a deep faith in Jesus. All who met him found him to be kind, compassionate and the epitome of a gentleman. He found great pride in his family's deep roots and ties to Palestine and the surrounding areas, as the McDonald family settled in east Texas in 1839 and founded the town of Neches.
Pace was a 1956 graduate of Palestine High School and attended Sam Houston State University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in business. He was a great businessman and lifelong real estate broker in Palestine. He, along with Judy, built their real estate business from a small family office to a leading east Texas Century 21 franchise. Upon retirement in 2014, Pace and Judy sold their business and it continues today as Century 21 Gold Award Realty.
Pace contributed his time and energy to many civic, social and professional organizations in Palestine. He often held leadership roles - notably as a president of the Palestine Independent School District Board of Trustees during a time of great growth. He led the district's board during the expansion of Palestine High School and the building of Wildcat Stadium, along with many other new facilities. He was also involved with the First Methodist Church, Lions Club, Jaycees, Palestine Masonic Lodge #31, Palestine Board of Realtors, Chamber of Commerce and the local amateur radio club.
Pace and Judy were passionate about spending time at their peaceful family cabin on the shores of Lake Palestine. The two spent countless days there fishing, gardening, hosting gatherings for family and friends, watching sunsets and relaxing. He especially enjoyed teaching and watching his grandchildren fish.
Pace had many passions, interests and hobbies. He held an amateur radio license, repaired clocks and watches, as well as tinkered with all sorts of electronics. He even made a hobby out of flea markets. An avid bargain hunter, Pace enjoyed wheeling and dealing at Canton Trade Days or any other roadside flea market at which he could convince his family to stop.
No hobby was greater than his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed both fishing and hunting, but his true passion was hunting. He was a member of a south Texas deer lease for more than 20 years. He spent many days each year chasing big bucks and enjoying the camaraderie and shenanigans of camp life. The time at camp was special to him, as well as those he shared it with. He looked forward to each fall when his family, especially his grandchildren, joined him at the deer lease. Nothing at the deer lease excited him more than hunting with a grandchild.
His truest love was his wife of 62 years, Judy. Pace and Judy met when she was 15 and he was 18. They were inseparable. Wed in 1960, they shared a rich life together that was grounded in a deep enduring love for one another. Their love and devotion to each is the bedrock of the family they have grown and nurtured.
Pace's faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior was profound and an example to others. Even as his health declined, he would sing hymns and discuss his unwavering faith with his family.
He is survived by his wife Judy McDonald; daughter Mandy Estes and husband Jack; son Pace McDonald IV and wife Trish; grandchildren Ty Estes and wife Taylor, Tate Estes, Emily Abarca and husband Harold, Pace McDonald V and Dylan McDonald.
A private service will be held for family. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Pace's honor would be appreciated and a source of comfort to the family. Pace appreciated the work done by St. Jude to provide treatment and care to seriously ill children at no cost.