John William "Bill" Pace

John William “Bill” Pace, 89, of Clemson, husband to the late Martha Lois Gravley Pace, passed away June 12, 2026. 

Born in Sumter County, SC, he was the son of the late William Ernest Pace and Mannie Brown Pace. Following graduation from Ashwood-Central High School and a year at Clemson University, Bill entered the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country from 1956-1960. After his military service, Bill married and returned to Clemson University to complete his bachelor's degree in Arts & Sciences, then later obtained a Master of Education degree from the University of South Carolina in 1973. He retired from Clemson University as the Director of Parking and Vehicle Services in 1992. 

Mr. Pace was a longtime member of Pendleton Methodist Church, where he was a beloved member of the choir. He enjoyed running, attending and supporting all his children and grandchildren’s endeavors, and all Clemson sports/events. Above all, Bill was a dedicated and loving servant. He devoted his time to his family, friends, and church. Bill loved to give back, and in his honor, his pacemaker will be donated to the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital to help animals in need. 

Bill is survived by his daughters, Felecia Pace (friend, Jim Tolleson) of Liberty, SC and Kimberly Pace Wacha (James) of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Joy Dunlap Ellison (Kent), Cal William Dunlap (Cassie), Alex James Wacha, Cody Jacob Wacha (Karlie), and Heaven Leigh Wacha Jackson (Sami); great-grandchildren, Everett Ellison, Emmett Ellison, Ripken Dunlap, Bridges Dunlap, Royston Dunlap, Julian Wacha, Abel Wacha, Elijah Wacha, Belle Wacha, and Simon Wacha; and sister, Sarah Pace Shirley. 

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 15, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central. 

Funeral service will be Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Pendleton Methodist Church in Pendleton. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pendleton Methodist Church Choir, P.O. Box 646, Pendleton, SC 29670. 

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at “The Bridge” (Foothills Presbyterian Memory Care unit in Easley, SC) and the hospice team from Interim Healthcare for the support and compassionate care given to Bill. 

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.