Mr. Charles Blackwood Pace, 79, of Hartwell, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024 at MUSC in Charleston, SC.

Born on February 5, 1945 in Moncks Corner SC, he was the son of the late Charles Mills Pace and Martha Stubley Pace.  Mr. Pace was a graduate of Castle Heights Military Academy, attended Wingate Junior College and Erskine College, where he earned his Bachelor's degree.  He earned his Masters of Education and Education Specialist degrees from Clemson University.

Mr. Pace was an Educator, having taught at and retiring from Hart County High School after 32 years of service. He also after retirement taught in Oconee County and Anderson County School Systems for a few years. While teaching at Hart County High School, Mr. Pace started an Electric Car Program, which he was proud of.

He was a member of the Hartwell First Methodist Church, American Legion Post 109, Hart County Retired Educators Association and Hart Partners where he was a mentor and tutor. He also volunteered for the YMCA and was an avid bicyclist, logging thousands of miles. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War as a Radioman Third Class.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Cindy Duncan Pace; two daughters: Amanda Shoemaker (Eric) and her two children and Charles' grandchildren: Olive and Milo Shoemaker all of Decatur GA and Patricia "Patty" Pace of Greer SC; two sisters: Carol P. Hallman of Greenville SC and Martha P. Ponce of Greer SC.  Mr. Pace was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Pace wished to be cremated and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hartwell First Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart and Rev. Troy Ayers officiating with military honors provided by the U. S. Navy.  A reception will follow the memorial service in the church fellowship hall.  Other times the family will be at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First Methodist Church Missions Fund, 200 E. Howell Street, Hartwell GA 30643 or Bell Family YMCA, 281 Opal Street Extension, Hartwell, GA 30643 or Natural Resources Defense Council, 40 W. 20th St., 11th floor, New York, NY 10011.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.