Wallace Glendon Pace, 85, of Newton, MS passed away peacefully in his home on August 5, 2021. Mr. Pace was born August 17, 1935, in the Center Hill Community of Lauderdale County, Mississippi to Bennie Deason and Myrtis Coker Pace. He graduated from Meridian High School in 1955 and was employed by Southern Railway for a brief time before attending the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) Academy and being assigned to Newton County. During the Berlin Crisis, he was called to active duty in the Air National Guard before returning to his assignment in Newton County.

Known for his storytelling and steak grilling, this 28-year veteran of the MHP dedicated his personal and professional life to helping people and especially cherished being a role model for young people. Although he was an old-fashioned gentleman, his approach to interacting with young people was progressive: He tried to focus on them so they would feel seen and heard rather than seeking out attention in negative ways. He helped many people through the years and took pride in their achievements. During his tenure with the MHP, Mr. Pace was selected Officer of the Year in 1970 for the Meridian district and was chosen to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where he graduated in 1975.

By the end of his career, Mr. Pace had been promoted to Master Sergeant, responsible for nine counties before his retirement in 1986. He served for many years on the MHP Retirement Board, was a Mason and a Kiwanian, and was an active member of First Baptist Church, Newton, where he was a former deacon and served as Treasurer for 26 years. He especially enjoyed fellowship with the Yokefellows Sunday school class.

Mr. Pace is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Carol (Walker) Pace of Newton, Mississippi, one daughter, Kimberly Carol Pace (Brian) Becker, two grandsons, John Emmett and Sam Wesley Becker, of Ames, Iowa, and one sister, Ouida Pace Alsup of Jackson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Pace was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Christine Pace, sister Wynell Pace Patrick, brothers Lamar and Martin Pace and Roy Brown, and half-sister Bobbie Carol Pace Wallace.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at Newton First Baptist Church. Following visitation, Dr. Frank Harmon will officiate the funeral service ¹ at 11 AM with honors rendered by the MHP Honor Guard.  Burial will follow in Newton County Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International association.

¹ Health officials have recommended wearing a face mask to protect individuals and help our hospitals.