Donald Guy Pace

Born September 16, 1965 at the US Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Massachusetts to William Edgar Pace and Marjorie Jacobs Pace, Don spent his childhood moving as an Air Force brat until finally landing in Tallahassee, FL during his high school years. He met his high school sweetheart Sonya Ward Pace their junior year at Lincoln High. They married while students at Florida State University. Twins Catherine Rae and James William completed their family of four.

Don started his career working as a Systems Programmer at Florida State University. Over the years he worked in various positions at Sprint and Hayes Computer Systems before going back to work at Florida State University and retiring as the Director for Telecommunications in June 2021.

Don was the founder of the Winnebago Fuse Owner Group, President of the HAM Radio Club, a member of the Selective Service System’s board, and a member of the Jamestown Society. He also enjoyed traveling in his Fuse with Sonya, exploring all the Universal hotels (and still going to Disney), and attending genealogy conferences.

Don thought his greatest achievement was his kids. He was immensely proud of the smart, thoughtful and kind adults they had become. He beamed each time they called or text him for advice or just to share what was going on in their life.

He is survived by his wife, Sonya; daughter, Cathy Pace of Raleigh, NC; and son, James Pace of Pittsburgh, PA. He is also survived by his brother Doug Pace (Julie), nephew and niece, and aunts, many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 in the Chapel of Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home located at 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL. Visitation starts at 2:00 pm followed by a short service at 3:00 pm. As Don’s formal attire in retirement consisted of a Hawaiian print shirt, please feel free to dress accordingly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Gideons International, Samaritan’s Purse or the charity of your choice.

He Is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone

Or you can smile because he has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him

Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember him and only that he is gone

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

by David Harkins