Obituaries

Jesse Leonard Pace Jr.

Jesse Leonard Pace Jr., 77, passed away on April 29, 2012 in Willard, Missouri where he had been visiting his daughter, Laurie and her family. Leonard had been battling cancer since the fall of 2011. Son of Jesse and Winnie Lee, now deceased, Leonard was born and raised in Pace, Mississippi, then attended Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi for his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Leonard enjoyed the opportunity to travel during his service in the United States Army. Leonard completed his Ph.D. in Education at Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi. Leonard is survived by his two daughters, Cherin Pace of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Laurie Pace Redden of Willard, Missouri. Leonard has two grandchildren, Lezlie Claire and William Daniel "Trey" Johnson. Leonard is also survived by his brother Larry Pace of Cleveland, Mississippi, and Larry's family: wife, Lynn and their children, Vicki, Carson, Jessica, and Vicki's son, Pace.Leonard lived most of his adult life in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. A teacher and career counselor, he was employed at Central High School and ultimately retired from the University of Arkansas at Phillips County. He kept busy with rental property, feeding stray cats and raccoons, was an avid gardener, devoted Ole Miss fan, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Per his request, he will be buried Friday, May 4, 2012 at 3 p.m. in the "Mississippi mud" at the New Cleveland Cemetery in Cleveland, Mississippi under The care and direction of Wilson Brim-Daniel Funeral Home, Ash Grove, Mo. Leonard preferred that he have a graveside service with a memorial to follow. He named the following friends as honorary pallbearers: James Ambrose, Larry Crumby, David Durr, Durwood King, Jerry Oliver, and Earl "Butch" Wilson. In lieu of flowers, Leonard requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the charity of one's choice. A memorial service will be held for Leonard later in June in Helena for his friends.

Published May 3, 2012

Upcoming Events