I always will remember Mr. Mace because he was a treasured gift. He was my 5th grade teacher at John B. Cary. So caring was Mr. Mace and his love for kids was evident hence the testimony of others. I will always remember his peanut butter and banana sandwiches, his guitar playing and artistic sketches which  he rendered on the board along with the days agenda.  His bike hikes were epic and we learned so much about nature once arriving to  the James River Park. Thank you God for giving him to us.

Mr. Mace was my 5th grade teacher in the early 1970's ( John B. Cary Elementary School in Richmond).  I adored him. Mr. Mace was a warm and caring teacher. So very creative He taught about the stock market and grocery shopping among other things to his 5th grade students.  I remember him eating yogurt and wheat germ which was foreign to me at that time. I always wondered where he ended up and it appears he changed school districts. I was blessed to have him as my teacher and I can only imagine what his heavenly assignment might be.  

Ken was my teacher at John B Cary Elementary. He was an inspiration to many of us when we were children. We recorded a song on cassette to submit to a Coca-Cola contest.  He would take us on bike hikes to places like Sandy Beach on the James River. One of the first people I ever knew who had a vegetarian diet. He read us Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in excerpts. Later in life we became neighbors in the Forest Hill Terrace area of Richmond.  We would often run into one another walking our dogs in Forest Hill Park. What a great man! Sad to learn of his passing.

I just learned of Ken's death but, even at this late date, I am adding my comments.  Ken became principal of my elementary school, Henry Clay in Ashland, when I was quite young.  I remember him as very young, quietly dignified and kind and thoughtful.  He was a friend of good friends of my parents and I knew him long after he had moved to another school.  I knew him well into my adulthood.)

I will tell a funny story about Ken which will probably surprise those of you who knew him only in a professional setting.  One evening Ken's friends were giving a party and I was there along with my parents.  Suddenly, a man in a gorilla suit arrived.  Making gorilla noises (only) he lurched (gorilla-like) among the party goers for about ten minutes.   We were astonished, laughing but also almost speechless.

To top things off the "gorilla" had brought a date, a very pretty girl whom none of us had ever met.  Needless to say, she had absolutely no idea of what to do. 

Eventually, the gorilla suddenly and dramatically ripped off the "head" of the costume.  It was Ken!  Everybody roared with laughter and his date, who could then be introduced, looked extremely relieved.

I have neve in my entire life seen a more astonishing scene.

Mr. Mace was my 4th grade teacher at Varina Elementary, and the most incredible teacher I had in my entire educational experience. He was the kind of teacher who invested in you, believed in you, motivated you, cheered  you on, and whose energy and spirit toward each of us--whatever walk of life we came from--was genuine and loving all the same. I had hoped to see him once again to thank him and to tell him how much of a lasting impact he left on my life and the lives of so many others of my peers--but I will speak it to him in the wind. God bless his beautiful soul.

Varina Elementary (Henrico County, Virginia) school children last 6th grade class at Varina elementary 1978/79. The grade moved to the new John Rolfe Middle school fall of 79. Loved Mr Mace!!! He was an amazing teacher. He was our mentor, for some of us, the father we didnt have at home, others, that wise {{middle aged}} then hippie reformed conservative vegan. He took us bike riding across Varina on a saturday. Taught us lessons in life. Treated us all the same, regardless of our background. Made us laugh, made us cry together. (We lost a student who was killed in a car accident the summer after our 6th grad year.  He still checked on us.

He taught us to be little forces to reckon with, at the same time be respectful of each other. Thank you Mr Mace, for molding us little 6th graders, who grew up to be movers and shakers as adults, wherever you are in the Heavens.

Ken will greatly missed by me and his Third church family,  He was indeed a joy to work and volunteer with.  Thank you for sharing your love of Christ with me.
Sue

Ken would fill in as substitute teacher for me at Linkhorn Park Elementary back in the 90's when I had to be out. He was great with my first-grade students! Kind, like a grandfather but firm and oh, so wise. He didn't let them get away with anything! I loved his warmth and wit!  Prayers are with his family and loved ones. 

Helen Bowser

It is with great sadness that i write this today.  Ken was such a joy, he volunteered for me at the Cayce Center and made us lunches, shared wonderful stories and was truly a joy.  I send Prayers, surrounding him in Peace and Joy for  a wonderful life he shared with us all.  Blessings for a Blessed Man, 
Joan Grasser, Virginia Beach Va

As President of Woody Funeral Home, I extend our deepest sympathy from all our staff for your loss. We are committed to providing the utmost care to you at this time and throughout the days to come. Our purpose is to assist and serve you in a manner that exceeds your expectations. We pledge to strive to merit the trust you have reposed in us.

My dear friend...will always remember you as multitalented...a truly gifted conversationalist with great depth as well as a unique sense of humor. Thank you for your extreme thoughtfulness in sending CD's and writings of CS. Lewis when I lost my companion so tragically on Christmas Eve, 2013. The memory of your wry smile as well as your caring will stay with me.

Ken came to Jay's service in March. Friends at TJ and church. K. Wallace

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Ken.  I send my deepest sympathies for your loss.  Margaret Seim

I am the Associate Pastor at Reveille United Methodist Church.  We are sorry to hear of Ken's death.  We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Stephen Coleman

So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was my principal at Henry Clay Elem. Sch. in Ashland in the late 60's.

                               B. Hunter

Please accept my deepest condolences. I greatly enjoyed knowing Ken and working with him at the Bainbridge Food Pantry. We had great conversations and comradery.

OBITUARY

Kenneth Murrell Mace Jr.

January 15, 1933 – July 27, 2016

Woody Funeral Home-Parham

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