Larry M. Nace

Larry M. Nace departed this life on Sunday, August 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones in his home in Jackson, TN. Larry was born in Paducah, KY on December 7, 1939, the youngest of five sons of Murrell and Lucille Green Nace. 

He graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School. He also attended the University of KY and pledged the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He received a bachelors degree from Lambuth University. He served Kappa Sigma at Lambuth in many capacities including Grand Master his senior year. He played on the college golf team and kept his love of the game for his entire life. 

While at Lambuth, Larry met his wife, Peggy Counce, and they were married on June 9, 1964. In July of 1964, he entered the U.S. Air Force Office Candidate School in San Antonio, TX and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He served on active duty for eight years and remained in the Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Major. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam as a Weapons Controller. Additionally, he served several temporary duty tours in Southeast Asia, flying as Battle Commander aboard the Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, and the Combat Readiness Medal, along with several other decorations and awards.

 Upon his return to the states, he was stationed at McCoy AF Base in Orlando, FL and McClellan AF Base in Sacramento, CA, where he served as Weapons Controller in AEW&C aircraft. He was awarded Senior Officer Aircrew wings. Upon his return to the civilian life, he was an Air Traffic Control Specialist with the Federal Government. He retired from the Air Force Reserve and the Federal Aviation Administration. Among his many accomplishments, during his time living in Kentucky, he was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in recognition of his service and commitment to the community. He enjoyed many years of golf with his family and friends. Larry was a member of Northside United Methodist Church. He was a devoted Poppy to his six grandchildren. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Murrell and Lucille Nace; his beloved son, Larry M. “Lance” Nace, Jr.; and brothers, H. Euguene Nace, Joseph N. Nace, William H. Nace, and D. Kenneth Nace.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Peggy Counce Nace; children, James William Nace of Paducah, KY and Kemberly Karol Carr (Tom) of Jackson, TN; grandchildren, Richard Paul Green, IV of San Antonio, TX, Joshua Dawson Green of San Antonio, TX, Joseph Braden Nace of Brownsville, TN, Eli Lance Nace of Olive Branch, MS, Brilee Raeann Nace of Brownsville, TN, and Avery Faith Nace of Olive Branch, MS; and several nieces and nephews with whom he maintained a close loving relationship.

 There will be services at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Northside Church at 2571 N. Highland Ave. Jackson, TN 38305.