Tom Pacey was born in Bryan, Ohio to parents John and Betty Pacey. He then traveled with his family to Massachusetts, New Jersey and Michigan before coming to Arlington, Texas.
Tom attended Trinity University in San Antonio where he received his BA. While at Trinity he was a member of the Chi Delta Tau Fraternity. His fraternity brothers remained his close, life long friends. At Trinity he was involved in the soccer program, becoming the Captain of the soccer team. He was also involved in many of the other intramural sports at Trinity.
After college Tom moved to Houston, Texas where he met his wife Kris. They married in 1976 and started their family. He was diagnosed with MS before his first daughter was born. The disease never slowed him down.
The family then moved to Dallas on January 1, 1984. Tom settled his family in their home in the Lake Highlands community. Tom took great joy in raising his daughters. He was involved with their athletic efforts. He was their first soccer coach and was proud of the fact that he taught them to kick with both feet! He continued to play soccer with the over 40 group in Lake Highlands and also played indoor soccer and kept up a good game of tennis. He always enjoyed many types of music, especially the Beatles and the Moody Blues.
Tom was involved with his daughters Indian Princess tribes through the YMCA. His Indian name was Moonshine! Through the Indian Princess program he enjoyed taking them camping as well as many other outdoor activities. He loved being outside and enjoyed the many visits to the Arboretum with his wife Kris, and taking rides around White Rock Lake.
Tom remained involved with their schools by being part of the PTA at all school levels and in various leadership positions. His proudest moments were to see his daughters graduate high school and attend universities to further their education and life experiences.
During the early years in Dallas an even stronger bond was formed with his Chi Delt family with the initiation of a yearly picnic and/or campout in many Texas state parks.
After working outside sales for many different businesses Tom was very happy to retire and take more joy in his family and friends. He often stated that if he had known how great retirement would be he would have retired sooner!
After retirement Tom was able to spend more time with Kris and his girls. He saw his family expand with his daughters marriages to such very special men. Tom was able to experience the joy of the births of all his precious grandchildren. His granddaughters were so sweet to him and his grandson was his best buddy in a houseful of girls! Whenever he saw those children his face would light up a room. He never tired of being with them.
Tom was a sweet, gentle, kind man. He always attended church with his family. When the time and opportunity arose he continued his faith journey by attending the RCIA program at St. Patrick Catholic Church. He entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on April 15, 2017. He said he wanted to enter the Catholic Church and he always did what he said he would do. This gave him great joy and peace.
Tom's family surrounded him with much love during his last weeks at the hospital and at the rehab facility. Everyone he encountered in the hospital and at the rehab facility gave Tom the most gentle and supportive care. His family is most appreciative of this support.
Everyone who met Tom used the words sweet, gentle and kind to describe him. Always saying that he had such a quiet, calm demeanor about him, never loud or critical. Although, it has been mentioned that he could deliver some pretty witty remarks that brought out chuckles in those who understood the remarks and Tom!
He passed away December 12, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Kris and daughters Marisa and her husband Aaron Miller and their three children Merritt (6 years), Warren (5 years) and Blythe (3 years) from Murphy, Texas; daughter Mariel and her husband Kyle Stoy and their children, Piper (4 years) and Parker (9 months) from Edmond, Oklahoma; his brother Jeff Pacey and his wife Jeri and their daughter Ali from Morgan Hill, California. And many more relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by all, especially by his wife and best friend Kris.
A funeral mass will be celebrated, Thursday, December 28 at 10AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church 9643 Ferndale Rd. Dallas, TX 75238
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home.
3 Entries
December 9, 2018
J M
I am so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that God cares for you and can give you hope. Jeremiah 29:11,12
December 9, 2018
Edwards Family
My condolences to the Pacey family. May you seek the peace and comfort found at Jeremiah 29:11,12
December 19, 2017
Susan McDuffee
I will always remember Tom and his infectious laugh when we spent time together each summer when the family came home to Anderson to visit Grandma and Grandpa Jackson!! RIP dear cousin......
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