Gale Frances Coble Pace

Gale Frances Coble Pace, 83, a long time resident of Columbia, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025 at Maury Regional Hospital. A private family graveside service will be held at Memory Gardens in Centerville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to enhance the playground at Joseph Brown Elementary, 301 Cord Drive, Columbia, Tennessee, 38401 where she worked for over 35 years and was one of the original teachers when it opened.

Born July 10, 1942 in Hickman County, Gale was the daughter of Grant and Agnes Coble. She and her sister, Phyllis, enjoyed playing and growing up among their many O’Guin cousins in Coble, Tennessee. She graduated from David Lipscomb College and Austin Peay as she began her career teaching in a one-teacher school. On June 10, 1966, she married Ray Pace. They were married for 59 years and were without a doubt the best of friends. Gale loved being a mother to Kei and excelled at making childhood a treasure for all those she loved. She was dedicated to being the best mother-in-law for Derik and was always ready to go on an adventure with him.

Gale was a member of Graymere Church of Christ where through the years she taught Sunday School, kept fresh plants on the pulpit, and loved being part of the grounds crew mowing each week. She and Ray owned Ken’s Garden Center for many years and was probably the hardest working landscaper there. She retired from teaching after working for 42 years in both Hickman and Maury County. Later in life, the best part of each day was going with Ray to McDonalds to visit with their friends.

Gale was known to be hard working, tireless, lover of laughter, and dedicated to her little family.

She is survived by her husband, Ray Pace, her daughter, Kei Rash(Derik), her sister, Phyllis Coble, and her precious cat, Malcolm.