Billy Duane Pace, 79, of Woodlawn, Illinois, peacefully passed from this earthly world into his heavenly home at 6:28 pm, on Sunday evening February 7, 2021, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor where he was receiving the best possible hospice care. He was born November 14, 1941 to his devoted father and mother, Duffy A. and Anna (Cremeens) Pace. Billy married the love of his life, Sandra K. (Marlowe) Pace on September 28, 1963. After 56 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on April 7, 2020.
Bill is survived by his cherished son, Bradley Duane Pace and wife, Patricia (Cook) of Woodlawn, Illinois; loving grandchildren, Bryan Douglas Pace and wife, Courtney (Staples) of Wayne City, Illinois and John Thomas Pace and wife, Karin (Hathaway) of Mount Vernon; and dear great-grandchildren, Braxten Donald Pace, Paisley Danielle Pace, Roman Bradley Pace, and Eden Brianne Pace.
Bill was hired on to the CB and Q in 1962. He spent his life doing work he dreamed about as a boy. Through morning and evening, heat and cold, irregardless of the seasons or holidays, he worked his shift for the trains that were always moving. Bill retired from BNSF in 2002.
Bill accepted Christ as Savior and Lord and was baptized in to the fellowship of the Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon where he lead his family in Christian principles and values. He and Sandra later joined the Logan Street Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon.
Bill loved Deep South Mississippi Delta Blues music. There was always a radio playing in the house or car. He spent hours upon hours caring for his flowers, plants, and lawn. Bill and Brad also spent time as part of a model railroad club in Maryville, Illinois. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge in Belle Rive and the Jefferson County Shrine Club.
Bill was a fan of General Motors cars, 57 Chevys, and rusty old trucks. He was a quiet man who liked loud music. He was a good man who liked to play poker. He was a fruit pie connoisseur, master chocolate soda and milkshake maker, and a good friend. He is loved and will be missed until we meet again.
A Visitation will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Brian Fuller officiating. Interment will follow at Flint-Belle Rive Cemetery in Belle Rive, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Bill’s honor to Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church.
Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.