William "Bill" Franklin Pace, Captain USNR (ret.), 80, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2016.

Mr. Pace was born on December 29, 1935 in Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from Pensacola High School in 1954 and attended Florida State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Journalism in 1958. After FSU he went to Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in the United States Navy the same year. He served on the USS Antietam and USS Lexington. He retired from U.S. Naval Reserve in 1995 as Captain on his birthday. He also worked in banking as Trust Officer retiring from Barnett Banks of Florida. As a father of five boys, he was involved in the Boy Scouts of America helping a couple of sons reach the rank of Eagle with some strong encouragement. He enjoyed watching the Blue Angles seeing them fly over 500 times. He was an avid NASCAR fan and in his later years enjoyed many a night around a campfire with his sons at Talladega Super Speedway. He enjoyed attending Pensacola High School reunions and luncheons.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ben Pace; mother, Dot Pace; step-daughter, Cindy Beck and grandson, Alex Pace.

Mr. Pace is survived by his wife, Gill G. Pace; sons, William Pace, John Pace, Richard Pace, Matthew Pace and David Pace; step-sons, Gary Rains and Tim Rains; two grandsons, seven granddaughters, two great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter; as well as brothers, Joe Pace (Joanne) and Jim Pace (Nell). He is also survived by former wife, Glenda Pace.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the funeral service begins at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.

Active Pallbearers will be his five sons and Casey Price.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pensacola Humane Society.

Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Sacred Heart Hospital and Joyce Goldenberg Inpatient Hospice residence.