Jones County: Francis Michael (Mike) Pace passed away Wednesday morning February 8, 2023 unexpectedly at his residence. A visitation will be held on Monday February 13, 2023 at 4:00 PM at Gray Memorial Chapel with a memorial service to follow at 5:00 PM in the chapel. The service will be officiated by Shane Lazenby.
Born on October 16, 1939 in Haddock, Georgia to the late Ethel Cleo Miller Dover (Harvey (Ted) Dover). Preceded also by his loving and devoted wife Nancy Lazenby Pace, sister, Fleta McCarty, son, Michael Pace and grandparents, Emanuel Miller, Hattie Dubose Miller, and sister in-law Ruby Dover.
Mike was a dairy farmer and owner of the Standard Oil service station in Gray. Best known as Papa (Pop) Mike to all his Jones County kids. He coached little league baseball, softball, football and was a church softball umpire. He was involved from the creation of the first girls high school softball team, and softball boosters. Mike was passionate about all things Nancy was involved with especially Jones County Lions Club. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather and did not hesitate to make himself available to those who had a need.
His memory will be forever cherished by his loving daughters, Lisa Smith (Mark) and their children, Wyatt (Jessica) and Tyler (Jessica), Michelle Chambers (Billy) and their children, Will Chambers and Schyler Johnson, Jan Watson ( Ken) and their children Eli and Jacob, deceased son Michael and his son, Steven Pace (Emily) and their children, Ansleigh Williams, Ashlynne Williams, Hunter Pace. Great grandchildren, Oliver, Westley, Eric Stovall and Dylan Johnson, brother, Harvey Dover (Sylvia) and their children Angela Meeks and Wayne Dover, brother in-law Bob Lazenby (Claudia) and their children, Shane, Robyn Edy, and several great nieces and nephews.
The family may be contacted at the residence of Jan Pace Watson 108 Watson Drive, Macon, Ga. 31211.
In lieu of flowers, the family request you make donations to the Jones County Lions Club, Jones County Animal Shelter or any charity that will benefit the Jones County Community.
Gray Memorial Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Mike Pace family. Visit graymemorialchapel.com to register online condolences.