William Lawlis Pace died peacefully in his sleep Monday morning, April 23, 2012. He had celebrated his 103rd birthday February 27th. Lawlis was born in 1909 in Burkburnett, Texas. He was the second son of Myrtle and William Pace. He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Onetia and their infant son, Daphael Gene, his parents, sister Audrey Erwin, and two brothers, Marvin and Howard.
He is survived by his brother Seth (Tex)and wife Dorothy; sons Bill (wife Eunice) and Theron (wife Marilyn); grandchildren Wesley (his sons Daniel, Peter, and Benjamin), Carlynn Sawyer (husband Butch), Kathryn Sinske (husband Terrell, their children Corey and Nicole) and Bryon Pace.
Lawlis and his family came to Hilmar in 1946 and settled on a 40 acre farm on the corner of Mitchell (now American Avenue) and Tegner Road. In 1956 he became the caretaker of the North and South Hilmar cemeteries.
In 2008 Lawlis was cited by the Guinness Book of Records as the holder of the record titled "Person living longest (91 years, now 95 years) with bullet in the head" - the result of a childhood accident occurring at the age of eight.
Lawlis will be missed but always loved and remembered by his family and many friends. His sense of humor and kindness was experienced by all who knew him.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, April 28th at the North Hilmar Cemetery on Tegner Road between American and August avenues. Officiating at the service will be Pastors Reverend Luther Englund and Reverend Marvin Wickstrom, long time friends from Hilmar Covenant Church. Funeral arrangements have been made by Allen Mortuary, 247 North Broadway, Turlock. Viewing will be Friday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Following the graveside service a luncheon will be served at the Hilmar Covenant Church.
Memorials may be given to a favorite charity or Hilmar Covenant Church.
Please share condolences and memories at www.allenmortuary.com

Turlock Journal,
Wednesday April 25, 2012