Bernard Baxter Mace

BERNARD BAXTER MACE

AUGUST 17, 1939 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2026

87 YEARS OF A LIFE WELL LIVED

A Husband A Father A Grandpa A Veteran A Friend Always Loved Never Forgotten

John 14:2-4

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

John 14:2-4

“Well done, good and faithful servant...” Matthew 25:23

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A Life Well Lived

Bernard Baxter Mace, 87, of Nakina, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on September 9, 2026.

Bernard was born on August 17, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Rita Schwartz and Bernard Mace. Throughout his 87 years, Bernard lived a life defined by devotion to his family, service to his country, faith, hard work, and the simple things that brought him happiness.

A Life of Service

At the age of 18, Bernard began his military career, answering the call to serve his country as a young man. He proudly began his service in the United States Marine Corps, marking the beginning of what would become an important and honorable chapter of his life.

Bernard later continued his military service in the United States Army as a Mortar Crewman, carrying forward the same dedication and commitment to his country.

During his military service, Bernard was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GITMO). In 1962, he served during the Cuban blockade associated with the Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the most tense and defining moments of the Cold War.

Years later, Bernard continued his service to his country through his participation in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. From joining the military at only 18 years old, through his service during the Cuban Missile Crisis era and later during the Gulf War, Bernard demonstrated courage, dedication, and an unwavering sense of duty to his country.

His military service remained an important part of who he was, and his family will forever remember with pride the sacrifices he made and the years he devoted in service to his country.

Faith and Family

Bernard was a devoted member of Happy Home Baptist Church, where he worshiped faithfully for many years. His church and his faith held a special place in his life and were an important part of the man he was.

Bernard shared 35 years of marriage with his loving wife, Donna Marie Mace. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, and the memories they created over the years.

Providing for his family was one of Bernard’s greatest priorities. He worked hard throughout his life to make sure the people he loved were always taken care of. Whether it meant helping provide a home, a vehicle, or simply being there when someone needed him, Bernard found great pride in knowing his family was safe, secure, and cared for. To him, providing was more than a responsibility, it was one of the ways he showed his love.

Family meant everything to Bernard. To his grandchildren, he was affectionately and lovingly known simply as “Grandpa.” His greatest joys came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.

The Things He Loved

Bernard had a lifelong love of baseball. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and watching baseball with his niece, Sandra Jamison. Those ordinary moments—sitting together, watching a game, talking, and enjoying each other’s company—became some of the memories his family will treasure most.

He also loved marksmanship and enjoyed working around his home and property. Bernard took pride in keeping things maintained and could often be found outside working around the house or trimming the bushes on his property. These were simple pleasures, but they reflected his hardworking nature and the pride he took in his home.

Above all else, Bernard loved being surrounded by the people he cared about. Whether spending time with his children and grandchildren, watching baseball, working around the property, or simply enjoying a quiet day at home, he appreciated the life and family he had built.

His Family

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, Rita Schwartz and Bernard Mace; his son, Robert Mace; his daughter, Laura Mace; and his sister, Patricia Mace.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Donna Mace; his brother, Ronald Mace, and his wife, Carol Mace; his sons, Alexander Mace and Christopher Mace; and his daughter, Megan Yeniscavich, and her husband, Alexander Yeniscavich.

Bernard is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives were touched by his presence.

Forever Remembered

Bernard will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, veteran, and friend. His legacy is found not only in the years he lived or the things he accomplished, but in the family he loved, the country he served, the faith he practiced, and the memories he leaves behind.

Those who knew him will remember his dedication to his family, his pride in his home, his love of baseball, his service to his country, and the countless moments—both big and small—that made Bernard uniquely himself.

Although his family will deeply miss his presence, his stories will continue to be told, his memory will continue to be cherished, and the love he gave will remain with them for generations to come.

Funeral services will be held Sunday September 20, 2026 at 3pm at Happy Home Baptist Church ,2670 Happy Home Road, Nakina, NC .

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday September 19, 2026 from 6-8 pm at White Funeral and Cremation Service, 4690 East Coast Lane, Shallotte.

Rest peacefully, Bernard.

FOREVER LOVED. FOREVER REMEMBERED.