Richard "Dick" Dale Pace

Richard Dale "Dick" Pace, 74, of Paragould, passed from this life on Friday, May 27, 2022. He was born on July 30, 1947, to the late Joe and Marjorie Pace. Dick graduated from Paragould High School in 1965. Prior to graduating, he began working at Heath Funeral Home in August of 1963. Dick attended Arkansas State University from 1965-1967 where he majored in Radio/Television with special emphasis on Public Relations. While going to school, he worked at KDRS as an On-Air announcer and play-by-play sports announcer. He became a high school football referee for several years. Dick returned to the funeral industry and attended Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in Dallas, Texas. He graduated with honors in 1968. He became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Arkansas in 1969 and then in Missouri in 1971. He would continue serving people around our city, state, and country in the funeral profession for six decades; only stepping away for a short time to become a manager at Ely Walker Shirt Factory in Paragould.

Dick became a member and was Past President of the Northeast Arkansas Funeral Director's Association, past board member and Past President of the Arkansas Funeral Director's Association, and member of the National Funeral Director's Association. He was also past board member and previous Vice President of the Arkansas State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. In 1999, Dick was recognized as the Funeral Director of the Year in Arkansas.

Over the course of his career, his expertise and dedication landed him in numerous education roles in the funeral industry. Dick served as an Advisory Board Member of Arkansas State University-Mt. Home Funeral Science Program, co-author of the Arkansas State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors Continuing Education Rule, served thirteen years on the International Conference of Examining Boards-National Board Exam Science Committee, and served on the American Board of Funeral Service Education as a team member evaluating mortuary science programs.

While Dick's service to the funeral industry around the country is extraordinary, it does not begin to compare to the way he served those in our community. Dick was a past member, board member, Treasurer, and President of the Paragould Kiwanis Club. He earned the honor of being named Kiwanian of the Year. He was a past board member and Chairman of Greene Acres Nursing Home. He was elected as the Greene County Coroner and faithfully served the people for over 20 years, also serving on the state Coroner's Association.

As one can see, Dick's contributions during his life have reached those locally as well as around the globe. Although he will be remembered for his service to organizations and agencies throughout the communities he served, he will most be remembered by the thousands of families he served during their most difficult times. It was Dick's work ethic, love for people, and sincerity that earned him the title of Manager at Heath Funeral Home. He served that position for years before becoming the Vice President of Operations. Dick understood sacrifice, and he often sacrificed time at home to serve those who were experiencing the loss of a loved one. His family can recount numerous times Dick would leave in the middle of a meal or the middle of the night to comfort those in immediate need. His passing is not only a loss to his family, Heath Funeral Home, or the Coroner's officer, it is a loss that will be felt by the families he has impacted over decades of sacrifice and service.

Dick leaves behind his wife, Missy; his sons with Beth Pace, Scott and Anne Pace of Little Rock and Stephen and Brandy Pace of Paragould; step daughters, Samantha and George Jaramillo of Paragould and Sonni and Russell Standefer of San Marcos, Texas; grandchildren, Cameron Pace, Carter Pace, Tyler Pace, Chloe Pace, Khloe Jaramillo, and Jackson Jaramillo; brother, Tommy and Cherye Pace of Boone, North Carolina; and nephew, David and Laura Pace of Boone.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6-9 at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral is Thursday at 10am at the Collins Theater with Revs. Kim Bridges and Tracy Archibald officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Brad Herren, Blake Williams, James Williams, Jason Boling, Jeff Shirley, and Rhonda Thomas. Honorary pallbearers are past and present Deputy Coroners, Dick's grandchildren, and Tommy Pace. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Paragould Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 87, PO Box 1052, Paragould, AR 72451.