Cecil Leon

Pace Jr.

Cecil "Leon" Pace Jr. was born on March 4, 1953, in Coffeeville, Alabama, to Cecil Sr. and Lillian Pace. After graduating from Coffeeville High School in 1972, he relocated to Joliet, Illinois, where he initially worked for Manpower. Proving himself to be an invaluable worker, he was soon hired full-time by Amoco Chemical Company, remaining with the company for 15 years. Leon loved cooking and delighted in preparing his loved ones' favorite dishes. He took great pride in keeping a clean home and car, enjoyed music, loved making mixtapes, and was always known for his smooth moves on the dance floor. Much like his father, Leon cherished family memories and had an uncanny ability to remember everyone's birthday. He was sure to bring a smile to anyone's face with his humorous storytelling and affectionate impersonations of close family and friends.

Leon was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers Melvin White and Edward Pace; his son Derrick Gholston; nephew Bruce Pace; brothers-in-law, Clarence Williams and Joe Everett. He leaves to cherish his memory daughters, Janice Young, Karlkeiya (Curt) Clark, Tabatha (Marlon) Jackson; sons, Leon Graves and Patrick Lane; sisters Arnita Williams, Gladys (James) Ivy, Linda (Carl) Avery, Lilly Mae Everett, Jacqueline Pace; nieces, Antonia Craig, Crystal Pace, April Avery, Vicki Tarvin; nephews, Stanley Craig, Gerald Pace, Arlin Avery and Adric Avery; dear aunt, Ollie B. McCornell, and a host of grand and great grandchildren, great nephews and nieces, cousins and dear friends.

A public visitation for Mr. Cecil Pace Jr. will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the Rice & Reese Funeral Home 925 S. Bessemer Ave. Prichard, AL 36610. Visitation will continue on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at The Cedar Point Baptist Church 5474 W. Bend Rd. Coffeeville, AL 36524. Funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM. Interment will take place in the West Bend Cemetery, Coffeeville, AL.