Eugene Pace

Uncle,

I have finnaly have made it down here to say thank you. It has been two and half years since your passing and it still hurts. But I felt at peace today talking to you at your grave site. You still give me the positive reinforcement that you did when you were alive, even now, you still have the power of love in us all that are here waiting to be with you , mama, and grandpa.

I hope that when I get up there that you and I could still debate who was the best NASCAR driver, and I hope that you have been practicing on the skeet shooting range cause I think I can beat you now.

I look at your pictures here in the house, and think of all the conversations we had on the phone, and the limited times that we got to see each other, but those are the best kind of memories to have ! You are and always will be TEX and no one can replace that.

I love you,

Alvin.

P.S. Thanks for sending the trucks my way that night, you gave me a sense of peace when I needed it.

Dad,

Two years ago early this morning about 3:05 you left this earth to go to Heaven. I still think of you daily and esp today. It still hurts to look at your picture or to think much about you being gone. I know it will always hurt. Life is so different now....for all of us. You would be so proud of 'Poison Ivy" she is so smart and beautiful and I know she would of loved her PAPA sooooo much!! She knows who you are in pictures. I hope you can see her as she grows. She is the light of my life and the joy in my heart. I have so many broke things at my house I need you to fix!! ; ) I am having to figure a lot of things out for myself now. I guess this is called being an adult?? lol I miss your cooking ( been thinking about that taiwan dish a lot), I miss being able to call you and talk about my worries, your jokes (I will always remember the last one you told me)...even when you were so sick you tried to make us laugh..I miss going to your house and hearing you listen to "your music", I miss seeing what item you salvaged from the dumpster next....lol, and I miss your stories of your childhood growing up in Tennessee. You were the thread that held our family together. I hope that God has blessed you for being such a good man. I love you so much and am so proud that you are my father.

Your Daughter.

EUGENE OR [DAY] YOU TOLD ME WHEN I WAS SIX ABOUT TO START FIRST GRADE THAT IF I CALLED YOU DAY [CAUSE] I COULDN'T OR WOULDN'T CALL YOU BY YOUR NAME THE OTHER KIDS WOULD MAKE FUN OF ME. I MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY. NO ONE AND I MEAN NO ONE EVER HAD A BROTHER AS GOOD,CAREING AND AS THOUGHTFUL AS YOU.I STILL ALMOST PICK UP THE PHONE TO CALL YOU AT LEAST ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK.I'AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AND WALK THE STREETS OF GOLD WITH YOU. EUGENE I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU EVERY DAY. SIS

Dad,

I miss you so much!
Mallory got married yesterday...
I'm still kinda in shock I guess...lol
I wish you could of been there.
Mallory carried a handkerchief of your's that had blue on it...
I will add some pics when I get them.
Nothing is the same without you.
I'm so glad you and Mallory got the time to spend together that ya'll did when she was young.
I'm so sorry Ivy never go to meet her Papa.
She is will already be one year old this Sat, April 12th.

I Love You With All My Heart!!!
Kathy

Happy 66th Birthday Dad!!!!!!!!
I Miss You & Love You!!!!!!!!!!
You are ALWAYS on my mind...
Your great grandbaby is sooo beautiful! I know you would love her as much as I do..she would love you too and bring you as much joy as she does me.
I hope you can see Ivy as she grows and watch over her and Mallory. Chris and Mallory are getting married the 15th of March. I hope you can see that too. Life is not the same without you. May they celebrate your life here on earth in Heaven today!!
Tell Aunt Velma we miss her too!!!
Your Loving Daughter, Kathy

Hello My wonderful darling. How I still miss you and love you now as much as ever. It will be one year next Monday that you went to be with the Lord. We have a wonderful great granddaughter. Our granddaughter is doing great. You would be proud of her. She has had to endure a lot of hard knocks in the last year but she has come through stronger for them. Our grandson is growing up and he reminds me a lot of you. Hopeful, he will be as caring and concern for his family as you. Marvin and Kathy are doing good. I can't help but be a little proud of both of them. Each of them has a special place in this world that the Lord has given to them.

Yes, Peggy is now living with me. She lets me talk about you a lot. She loves you to. You know that you were her special brother. My darling, you were and are special to all of us. I wish I could talk to you. I wish I could give you a big kiss for valetine. Peggy and I both love living here at the lake because it reminds us of you.
Some day I will be with you my darling. Someday when God says my work on earth is done I will be with you where there is peace and love beyond measure. Save me a place. Your lonesome wife

HEY POPS!

Christmas is almost here and it's gonna be our first christmas without you. It's gonna be so hard. I miss you so much already I can't even imagine what it's gonna be like spending a christmas without you. They say it's supposed to get easier with time but it seems like for me it's just getting worse. I need you right now more than I ever have it seems like. I guess if you could just watch over me right now....i need you.

I love you with all my heart

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose....
for all that we love deeply, becomes a part of us."

I Love & Miss You!
Your favorite daughter,

Hi Dad,

Today is my 39th birthday. And this is also my first birthday without you. You would always call me early, first thing in the morning, and tell me happy birthday to my favorite daughter! :) I missed that this morning. You were such a wonderful, loving, and thoughtful father. I still can't take your cell number out of my phone. I had you on #1 speed dial and that is how it will stay. I don't write in here too often for it makes me too emotional and sad. I was watching the news this morning and Nancy Reagan is releasing Ronald Reagan's diaries three yrs after his death. She said people told her it would get easier with time....and that is what you told me. She said it doesn't....and that she misses him now even more. And that's exactly how I feel. I miss you now even more. I know my pain will never go away....it's something I have to learn to live with and endure and be stronger in several areas of my life for. I have been having some tough times...Life is full of ups and downs. Mom has been having some hard times too with her eyes and all. Philip has been Heaven sent for me in these days. I know God put him in my life when he did for a reason. I don't know what I would do without him right now. He loves me unconditionally. He got me an Ipod for mother's day and $ for my birthday along with a beautiful card. Mom gave me $ also from you and her. My co workers decorated my desk today....that cheered me up. Mother's day weekend was also very hard on me...also the first without you. We would always go out to eat for Mother's Day. I heard your voice in my head this morning though telling me happy birthday to my favorite daughter....maybe it was you?

I Love You So Much Today and Forever!!! I miss you so much!
I HAVE to trust in the LORD that he took you when he did for a reason..and that some day I will understand why, and the reason for why you had to go through everything that you did. That's the only way I can accept it.

Forever Your Favorite Daughter!

You've been gone three months today and I miss you as much as ever. I can deal with the pain better because I can see you talking and walking with Jesus as you worship him and our Heavenly Father. I know that you are surrounded by Love that passeth all understanding. Someday I too will be there with you and then it want matter about my eyes or any thing eles including my physical body because I will be perfect in Jesus. I thank God daily for putting you in my life. You gave me so much and now I am trying to learn not to need emotional support because you left it with me and I still have that part of you. Mallory did bring Ivy down for a few days and I spoiled her a little. Rest in peace my love. As you know, I am strong in my faith and pray that the Lord will put someone in my path that I can draw on his strength for a while. I think Jesus is saying that He is that strength and all I need to do is lay my burden at his feet. What a wonderful truth He is revealing to me. Again, I ask the Lord to let you hold me in my dreams. Love you now and forever.

Dad,

You are heavy on my mind today.
I miss you terribly as always.
Mom is so sad and lonely without you...we all are.
There is a part of one of my favorite songs that I want to dedicate to you.
"Your face is painted on my heart, burned into my soul, etched into my memory"...and that is how it will be until I see you again.

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Your Daughter,

We now have a beautiful great-granddaughter, my love. Ivy Jade Bledsoe was born on April 12, 2007. Weighting in at 8 lbs 10 1/2 oz. She was 21 inches long. She made Mallory a mommy at 1:55pm. Velma & I got to the hospital around 6 o'clock am. Boy, I miss you. I have been so empty for the past couple weeks. Wish you could take me in your wonderful arms and hold me. Why did I take you for granted? I remember us talking over the years if one goes before the other what we would do. I've always said that you would be able handle it better than me. I now know that I was right. I need you my love but you are not here. I wish there was some magic that would stop me from hurting inside. I hear that only time can do that. I need your help in being strong. I feel like putty and so lonesome. Maybe Mallory will bring the baby down and I will be able to put my time, engery and love into taking care of her. I do have a friend that listens to me and I can be open and honest with him. And I need that. I truly believe that the Lord sent him to me and know that only you would understand my need to ramble on about things that half the time don't make sense to anyone but me. Everett has cancer. Peggy calls me about everyday so we can cry together. I love you my darling. I have to let go and move on with my life. I may go to Tenn to see Peggy next month. Vera and I are planning a trip to Arkansas sometimes soon and then in Nov we are planning on going on a cruise. Good night and come hold me in my dreams.

We want to express our most heartfelt sympathy to Faye and her family. Gene was a wonderful friend for many years, and we will miss his phone calls just to visit and find out how we are doing. He always conveyed how much he loved his family. What a comfort to know that he is totally healed and pain free living with our Lord in Heaven.

Dad,

Its been about a month since we lost you to Heaven.
I woke up in the middle of the night thinking of you.
I miss you so bad it hurts.
I hope you are right and time will make it better.
Looking forward to Ivy's arrival keeps me going and something happy to think about.
I know you will see her when she comes, but not with human eyes.
Thinking too much is not good for me right now.
You went through so much.
I love you more than you could of ever known.

Your Daughter

I realy loved uncle eugene he realy loved me and my sis he took us in when we were sick we always new we could count on him. When I couldnt go to school he would take me under his wing and give us so much care .When i had a sore throat he always new the cure he was a fun going guy and i miss him dearly.I have so many stories i could tell... I am praying for aunt faye and close reletives
you are in my prayers
aunt faye i love you so much if you need to talk you know who to call

love with all my ♥,

I realy loved uncle eugene he realy loved me and my sis he took us in when we were sick we always new we could count on him. When I couldnt go to school he would take me under his wing and give us so much care .When I had a sore throat he always new the cure. He was a fun going guy and i miss him dearly. I have so many stories i could tell... i am praying for aunt faye and close reletives
you are in my prayers
aunt faye i love you soo much if you need to talk you know who to call
love with all my heart,
Ashlee Huff

I am sure glad to hve known the both of you for so long and know
Eugene is happy now in the loving arms of Jesus and is waiting for you.
Love, Jody

You were the best, Grandpa, at fishing, farming, and just being a Grandpa. I remember all the times we shared, like when you stayed with my mom and I while my dad was gone. Or when you caught a clam off the shore by your lakehouse and used it for bait. I'm glad that you and Grandma moved down to Lake 'O the Pines so that you could spend your time in your dream reality: a house right by a lake where you could fish all you wanted to. Catch me a big one, Grandpa!!!

faye we ove you and miss you. the most important thing that you be with your husband.

JESUS loves your.

Tomorrow will be one week since your birthday on the 28th of February. Boy, I sure did miss giving you a hard time about being older than me, planning a party or taking you out to eat with some kind of special twist like I did for your 40th birthday and the Limo for your 50th. I think that Limo shocked you out of your wits. (lol) Since Valatine's day was on the 14th, I also thought about the first Valatine card you got me. You were so happy when you came home from work, rushed to the kitchen and then a loud disappointed "oh no". Well, I knew you had me something but you tried to hide it and then the truth comes out as you handed me the most beatiful card on the outside with words of love only to open it up to find the words: "HI FATTY". That taught you to always look inside a card before you brought it home. I almost rolled on the floor with laughter because I knew you would never say things like that to me on purpose. I love you my darling and always will. Kathy and took flowers to your grave on your birthday. We put a couple chimes there for the wind to blow around and cleaned off the dead flowers. Samuel's yellow roses were still very pretty. We know that you are not there but safe in the arms of our Lord and Saviour, but it makes us feel better. Someday I will be with you, David, Mother and all our loved ones. Love you now and forever.

Faye, Kathy, Mallory,and family,
Reading the many and loving entries in this book has really blessed me. My heart goes out to you. I know that you know that Eugene is singing with the angels worshipping Jesus Christ and is walking upon the streets of gold in our Heavenly home. You are indeed a family of much love and faith. May God's love and peace strengthen you each day in His grace, and may you look forward to your reunion with Eugene when you go home to Jesus Christ.
God Bless and many prayers and love, Debbie

To my only Uncle,
I love you more than an Uncle for you were always there for me when I needed a kind word, a good listener, or just to call and tell you that Dale Jr. was the better driver. I have never forgotten any of the conversations we have had in the past, I still to this day can rememeber the toy Castle you bought me in 1974 and how we played with it for hours until I passed out on mama's living room floor. I have always respected you and your words of wisdom, and never doubted anything you had to say. I will always cherish the weekly Sunday phone call that we made to each other and the e-mails you sent me when I was out to sea. I am so sorry that I couldn't be down there for you, but I know you understood. I will always remember you. Like I said in our last phone call "You have nothing to be ashamed of, you have lived a good life, and when you want to go home,don't ask just go, everyone will understand"

I love you Tex!!!

Faye, As I read the entries in your guest book, I couldn't help but notice how blessed you are with such a loving family and friends.
You and your family truly reflect the love of Jesus in your life by words and actions.
Remembering you all in my prayers. Love, Sunetta

May God keep you in the palm of his hands.

Faye & Kathy:
I wish there were words of comfort that I could give you, but from my own loss I know there are none.
Eugene was a very honorable man and enriched so many people's lives. I know that he made a difference in my own life and I am very thankful for that. I will pray that your family finds comfort...
I love you all very much and I am here for you.

One Thought..
Though today you walk in sorrow, you will not be alone. There is one whose loving wisdom, is far greater than our own.

Put your trusting hand in his, as a little child would do, and he like a loving father, will guide and comfort you.

Dear Pace Family,
Never in our lives have we been blessed with neighbors like Gene and Faye. God placed them in our path at the perfect time. (That's just like God.) So giving and loving to everyone. We know that God will comfort you during this time Faye. Try and let the good times conquer the bad. We're here if you need us.
Love and miss you.

Faye, we are still praying for you daily as we did also for Gene. I know that to be absent from life is to be present with Jesus and even though we don't know why some wonderful people are taken so early and the rest of us have to stay here. I like to think that that He picks the best flowers to brighten his bouquet and leaves the rest of us to grow and mature and become closer to him here on earth. You and Gene have been such an inspriration to us. We knew from the moment we met you. I thank you so much for letting me and Sam see Gene and I could hold his hand the last day we came to the hospital, little did I know I would be in the hospital and not even be able to attend the funeral. We love you all.

Aunt Faye, Marvin, Liz, Samuel, Kathy, Phillip, Mallory, Chris and little Ivy - there will always be a special place in my heart for each of you. I truly felt the presence of God in your home. I know He came that evening to give each of you Peace and Comfort. There will be times of sadness, but rejoice in Uncle Eugene's life on earth and how he touched each of you so personally. But most of all, we are grateful for his eternal life now, vasting in the glory of the Lord! My prayer for each of you is that you will allow the Lord to speak to your hearts. Allow Him to bring Comfort, Peace and Understanding. Spend each day getting to know Him more and develop an intimate personal relationship with Him. Without Him, we are nothing. Take this incredible opportunity and share with others about Uncle Eugene and his love for the Lord. Allow God to mold you and use you in a way that brings others to Him so that they too may receive eternal life. I pray a special blessing over each of you! May God be with you in the coming days and months. I love you all! I am grateful for the time we all spent together.

A special thanks to Uncle James, Aunt Carolyn, Aunt Velma, Aunt Donna, and my cousin Miriam. We absolutely could not have done it without yall.
Thank you for being so devoted to our family.
Miriam you have a special gift and should continue to share it with others.
You know what you did for us.

I Love You All...

My sister Faye, Kathy & Mallory, Marvin, Liz and Sam:
You have my heartfelt sympathy. I can truly say "I know what you are going through" I have been there. We have to trust in the hope that is within us and have faith in what we believe. I know you do. It shows. Look around and don't take for granted that things just happen. You will find him in a lot of different ways if you look for him. We have our special memories. Like the one when we were trying to hide from Eugene and Rod and we got in the car to leave and couldn't get the car started and looked up and they were on the valcony laughing and swing the part they took out of the car so it wouldn't start. Or when we took the long walk in the rain and Faye you needed to get home, but oh well, it didn't matter. You know!!!! Or the time we took the kids to the park and on the way back the car got hot and we crossed over a fence down a hill to get water to put in the car only to find out when they got to us we slightly made a mistake and put the water in the oil instead of the radiator. Oh please!! lets not forget the haircuts. ON and ON. What fun!! One day we will do it again. Love you all.
Aunt Donna

What a wonderfully nice, thoughtful man and what a good gardening & project buddy he was for me. I knew him for almost 15 years and never once can I remember anyone not liking him or thinking that he had wronged them. On the contrary, Eugene was the father-in-law that came to stay with us many times when my husband had to make long trips and he didn't even blink when I would call him with a problem---he was our "wide shoulders".
During the last days, I will remember how he wasn't just a man with courage and long-suffering, but, also, a thoughtful husband for Faye, a tender dad for Kathy, a gentle, Christian grandfather for Mallory & Samuel, and a loving & brave friend for Marvin. I am so grateful to know that he waits in paradise and I thank God, the Great Physician, for giving him sweet comfort from the pain he carried so long.
His favorite daughter-in-law~

I know that my grandfather is in a better place but it's still hard to let him go. He wasn't just my grandfather he was my poppa and also my dad. He was the best poppa any little girl could've asked for and I'm sorry that my little girl won't get the chance to meet him. But it comforts me to know that he will be looking down on her and be watching over her. Her poppa loved her so much and she won't even be here until april! He already had nick names picked out for her that I'm sure we will end up calling her, poison ivy and peanut.

Thanks pops for everything you did for me! I love you and miss you with all my heart! Can't wait to see you again! Save me some fish so we can go fishing together again!

Faye, Kathy and Marvin,
Eugene was a wonderful man. I was very close to him and knew that if I ever needed anything that he would always try his best to help out. He was such a kind and caring person. I know I have called on him at times and he was always there to help. I remember one time in particular when Uncle James was in Parkland Hospital and I called Eugene to come sit with me; he didn't waste any time getting there to be with me. I will truly miss him, but I know he is in a better place where there is no pain and suffering. James and I are glad that we could spend some time with him on Friday and Saturday before he passed away. You are all in our prayers. We love you.
Aunt Carolyn and Uncle James

I want to thank everyone so much for all of their love, prayers, and support for my father and my family. I also want everyone to know what a very strong man my father was as well. Though he suffered terribly for a very long time, esp. at the end...he was very good at hiding it from us. He didn't want us to know how bad he was hurting, because he knew it would hurt us. He never complained, he tried hard to fight this disease, he only shed a few tears (he was sad for having to leave us), he stayed brave till his last breath. I told him on Saturday before he died that there won't be a day to go by for the rest of my life that I won't think of him. And again, although he could barely speak he tried to comfort me by telling me time will help. Also, even though he lay dying he wanted to make one last phone call to his aunt Ruth. I knew aunt Ruth was crying and he also tried to comfort her by saying it must be. It hurts to let him go, but I am relieved he is no longer hurting. I don't understand why such a good man had to go through so much pain...but I know the Lord will reveal that to me in time.

I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER DADDY!
You taught me so many, many things...
In the end, you showed me how to be courageous and strong.

Your Daughter

Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Jn15.13. Eugene daily looked for creative ways to quietly love people by serving them. Now, he is with the ONE who first demonstrated this Greater Love.

Dear Faye and Family,
Although I didn't know Gene very well it was as if he was a longtime friend. My prayers are with you and your children. Lean on one another and enjoy the wonderful memories you have of your best friend, and them of their hero.
God keep you during this time and always.

I would like to share this with you… that I haven’t had many male role models in my life, but I count Eugene as one. As I watched him function as a father and husband, I learned that selflessness was a quality and not a weakness… that there is more to life than a status or occupation. He taught me that it’s the simple things that matter, the time you spend with family and friends. He made time for me though he didn’t have to; befriending me at a time in my life when unbeknownst to me I needed his influence. I carry a part of Eugene with me because he made a difference. I could have never known back when I moved to Arlington, that he would be as important to me as he was. Faye, you and Eugene blessed me in many ways. Know that what I learned from him, will be apply as I raise my son Garret.

Faye, I'm sorry for your lost, I also lost a good friend he was always so nice to me. I just found out yesterday I was talking to Kathy Allen. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, you always was there for me. Is there anything I can do for you? I don't have your new address or phone number I lost everything on my computer. It's going to take a little time, but the Lord will take care of you. Eugene is being taken care of by the Lord.

Faye,

My heartfelt sympathy to you. I know how very special Gene was to you. He was a wonderful man and I know you will miss him. The years you and Gene had together will only grow more precious with you. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Marsha Emmons

Faye I am so sorry for your loss. Eugene was an incredible man and was blessed with a wonderful & loving wife who was also his best friend. Your faith in the Lord, through all of this, has remained so strong. You are absolutely amazing and Eugene will be waiting for you with open arms and a smile! We love you and will continue praying for you and your family..

Faye, I remember when you & Eugene came to the hospital when Ken was so sick. You bless everyone with your wonderful smile and told me to hang in there, that God would take care of everything. I can say the same to you. I am so sorry I was not there for you, but I did not know Eugene was ill. You were very blessed to have your life together and now to know he is with the Heavenly Father. I love you and please call me if you want or need anything.
Love Marilyn Ward-Ramzy

My thoughts are with you and your family, I will remember the card games we all played.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

To the family: Kathy whose been a friend forever, and to Faye the most precious thing God ever created, I send my love and sympathy in your time of loss.I wish I were there, please know that I am with you in spirit. Be encouraged,God is there for you as well as myself. Call when you need to talk, cry, or rejoice. I'm here for you both....Much Love Alex & Joyce Spillman

Even though our path crossed in such a short time, I knew Eugene was a wonderful husband, father and a great friend to many. I can only express how lucky I was to have had a chance to have met him.

Faye, I will always keep you in my prayers. Be comforted to know that there is no more pain and suffering for Eugene, bless his heart.

Our deepest sympathy to the Pace Family for the loss of such a dear man. Remember all the happy times and keep him in your heart forever.Eugene will be missed but never forgotten.
God bless you & your family.

All our love,

Faye I am so sorry that Eugene did not get to enjoy fishing in the lake. I am so thankful for the friendship that me and my family have had with you and Eugene. I know that Angela and Michelle teased Eugene a lot and he knew that although they teased him that they really did love him. Michelle said on the way home that Eugene was like a grandfather figure to her. We all have enjoyed our times together with you and Eugene both. I will miss the times that we shared going out to dinner and I know the kids will miss his picante sauce that he made them.
Faye it is a blessing to know that Eugene is in heaven walking the streets of gold free of pain and suffering.

Faye just know that we are here for you. If you need us we are a phone call away and our prayers are with you.

Love you,

Faye Thomason

It has been my pleasure to know this man who deeply loved his family and had such great integrity.

Faye, I am so sorry about Eugene. It has to be a comfort to you to know that he is in a much better place, with no pain or sickness. He wouldn't come back to his old life now if he could. I love you, and we are praying for you and the family.
Trish & Glen

May you find peace in the knowledge
that your loved one lives on---

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also may be where I am."

John 14:3

With heartfelt sympathy

Your friend, Vera Ortiz

Our prayers are with you and your family.

May your family be comforted by our thoughts and prayers.
God is a loving God.
God bless you,
Charles and Debbie Goodwin

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My husband was a man of many faces to me: my friend, my counsler, my companion, my pillow to cry on. Due to the pain that he endured in the end I had to let him go be with Jesus and walk the streets of gold. Our prayers are answered, he is healed and living in a mansion not made by hands. I truly love you my darling. It is not goodbye because we will be together again.