Ray Pace of McKinney, Texas went to be with Jesus on March 23, 2021 at the age of 79. He was born on September 17, 1941 to Julian and Ruby Pace in Abilene, Texas. Ray grew up in Waco, Texas where he graduated from Waco High School with the class of 1959. He married the love of his life Sondra Kay Nelson on August 18, 1962. He attended Texas Tech and then Baylor University where received his bachelor’s degree majoring in business, economics, and finance. Ray worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas for 13 years before founding The Pace Group, a healthcare consulting firm. He was an exemplary husband, Dad and Raypa. His life was a constant example of servant leadership and showed the importance of his faith, his family and his friends. He served his community by sitting on the Boards of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (local and national), Camp Fire (national), Marketplace Ministries and several area banks. He enjoyed hunting, golf, traveling and spending time with his family. Some of his best memories were made with friends and family at the 3BH Ranch (Throckmorton, TX) and Pace Point (Lake Texoma). He also established the Sondra Nelson Pace Foundation to honor the volunteerism of his wife. Together they blessed many through their support of several youth and Christian organizations.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sondi Pace of McKinney, Texas; daughters, Karen Fetner and husband, John of Goshen, Arkansas and Keli Cullen and husband, Jon of Burleson, Texas; grandchildren, Wyatt Fetner and wife, Marguerite, Ty Fetner and wife, Katelyn, Karis Shortes and husband, Jake, and Kyle Cullen; great-granddaughters Reese Taylor Fetner and Harper Beth Shortes; brother, Julian Pace and wife, Elizabeth of Bolivar, Missouri; and a host of other loving family and friends.
He lived his dash with dignity! Ray appreciated the differences that teachers, family and a relationship with Christ made in a life. Contributions to the following organizations in his memory would continue the work of his heart’s passions.
Aid for Educators uses funds to support new teachers and schools by providing grants and donations that will directly assist teachers in purchasing materials for their classrooms and students.
www.aid4edu.org Aid for Educators 6001 Abbermare Dr. Arlington, TX 76001
The Joshua Foundation exists to give people opportunities to spend time with friends and families, to enhance the lives of those around them, and to help people take hold of the passions Christ has given them.
https://thejoshuafoundation.us/donate The Joshua Foundation 932 Carraway Lane Spring Hill, TN 37174
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, March 29, 2021 at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Sam Rayburn Tollway, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will be live streamed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/529736856/d0641e2221 The family will be available at the church to visit from 1:30-2:30 p.m.