Billie Hugh Pace, 74, of Niles died at 1:43 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010 at Hospice and Palliative Center, South Bend after an illness.

He was born Oct. 22, 1935 in Marietta, Miss. to Walter Pace and Symtha E. Shields. He lived here about 50 years.

On March 7, 1956 in Prentiss County, Miss., he married Lena Frances Hunkapiller, who survives.

He was a maintenance superintendent for Bayer Corp. and Solvay in Elkhart. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and his garden. He was a member of the American Legion Edwardsburg Post 365 and Community Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

He is survived by his wife, Lena; sons, Marty (Betty) Pace of Edwardsburg, Mike (Lisa) Pace of Plymouth, Ind., Henry (Lynda) Pace of Edwardsburg; sisters, Ernestine Harp of Booneville, Miss. and Jimmie Harp of Marietta, Miss.; six grandchildren; and a brother, Bob Pace of Prentiss County, Miss.

He is preceded in death by a brother, Henry Pace.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 at Community Baptist Church, 28647 U.S. Highway 12, with the Rev. Thaddeus Stout officiating.

Friends called from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13 at the church. Burial was held at Smith’s Chapel Cemetery with graveside rites by the United States Army Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cass County Cancer Service, P.O. Box 676, Edwardsburg, MI 49112, or Smith’s Chapel Historical Commission, 29664 Foller St., Niles, MI 49120.