William Barnard Pace, devoted father, beloved son and brother, and exceptional friend to so many, died of cancer Friday, September 2, 2022, Will left this world peacefully in his home in the company of family members.
Will was born June 16, 1968, delivered by his father on Father’s Day, in Monticello, the third son of Dr. Brantley Barnard Pace and Ann Russell Pace. He is a 1986 graduate of Monticello High School, attended Mississippi State University and earned a B.S. in business from Belhaven University.
Will inherited a love of automobiles from his father and grandfathers. From an early age Will was driving, with unconfirmed reports he was well-schooled in drag racing on county roads in a 5.0 liter Mustang. Will was a graduate of the Bob Bondurant School of Racing in Napa, California. He began driving sports cars when too young to rent a car in certain states, so his older sister, Lucy, began traveling with him. Will is a former instructor with Skip Barber Racing as was his brother, Jim, and fellow instructors who have been lifetime friends. As a sports car driver, he drove Porsches and turbocharged Saabs. He was a Kart driver and former President of Mississippi Karters Association.
In 1996, Will drove in the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in a car that suffered engine failure in qualifying. Overnight Porsche flew an engine from California in two suitcases accompanied by a mechanic to make it to Sebring in time to install the engine and race. Because they did not have time to qualify before the race, they started last. Will and his co-drivers drove to finish in first place, winning the GTS-2 class of the 12 Hours of Sebring race in a Porsche 911.
Will was a partner in Circle Seven Outpost and Provisions in Madison for years. He developed lasting relationships with people who have remained dear friends. He was an avid sportsman and accurate shooter.
Will is survived by his four beloved children Virginia, Thomas, Allen and Sonnie; his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Brantley B. Pace, Monticello; his siblings Marita Pace Walton (Ben), Jackson; Dr. Thomas B. Pace (Nancy), Greenville, S.C.; Kathryn Pace Phillips (Will), Brookhaven; and Jan Pace Coker (Sam), Ridgeland. Preceding Will in death are his siblings Jim Pace, and Lucy Pace Parschauer (Ken) who died in 2020.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Dr. Bobby Graham and Hospice Ministries for their exceptional care.
A memorial service will be at the Chapel of Broadmoor Baptist Church at 1531 Highland Colony Parkway, Madison on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make a contribution to a charity of their choice.
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