SJR56 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Clyde ChamblissSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: MOURNING THE DEATH AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF COMMISSIONER W.O. PACE. WHEREAS, we note the death of Commissioner W.O. "Bill" Pace with deep sadness and regret; his immeasurable life is commended and celebrated with great thanksgiving; and WHEREAS, the passing of Commissioner Pace leaves a void in the lives of his loving family, many friends, and the entire community; and WHEREAS, Commissioner Pace was 90-years-old at the time of his passing and is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Helen Monfee Pace; he is also survived by four children and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and WHEREAS, Commissioner Pace was born in Deatsville, Alabama, on September 1, 1932, and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1951; and WHEREAS, Commissioner Pace joined the Air Force and served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, serving his country in the Korean War Conflict; and WHEREAS, Commissioner Pace served on the Autauga County Commission and served as Commission Chairman from 1990 until 1994; and WHEREAS, under Commissioner Pace's leadership, many projects to benefit the citizens of Autauga County were started or continued; these projects include the Tenaska plant located in Autauga County, the Robert Trent Golf Trail located in Prattville, the construction of the Autauga Metro Jail, the construction of the Probate Office, and other meaningful projects which continue to enrich the lives of Autauga County citizens; and WHEREAS, Commissioner Pace served as a Board Member for the Department of Youth Services; and WHEREAS, Commissioner Pace leaves a long legacy of leadership and support for the citizens of Autauga County, including serving as a founder of Autauga Academy and as the first football coach at the school; and WHEREAS, Commissioner Pace's legacy of leadership includes his daughter, Judge Joy Pace Booth, following in his footsteps of service to Autauga County by first serving as a District Court Judge for Autauga County and now as a Circuit Court Judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit, which includes Autauga County; and WHEREAS, through the years, Commissioner Pace exhibited tireless dedication and exceptional abilities in his personal life, professional life, and service to the citizens of Autauga County; and WHEREAS, Commissioner Pace was a valued member of the community; although he will be greatly missed, his memory will be cherished in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to know him; now therefore, B
Summary: SJR56 is a joint resolution mourning the death and honoring the life and public service of W.O. Pace, a former Autauga County Commissioner.
What This Bill Does
It officially mourns Pace's death and commends his life and service. It recognizes his leadership in Autauga County, including his time as County Commissioner and Chairman from 1990 to 1994, and notes projects started or continued under his leadership (Tenaska plant, Robert Trent Golf Trail, Autauga Metro Jail, Probate Office). It highlights Pace's military service and other roles, such as founder of Autauga Academy and his daughter Joy Pace Booth's public service. It expresses heartfelt sympathy to Pace's family and friends and requests that the Legislature memorialize his legacy.

Who It Affects
Autauga County residents and community members who benefited from Pace's leadership and public projects
Pace's family, survivors, and close associates who receive official recognition and sympathy from the Legislature

Key Provisions
Official mourning and recognition of W.O. Pace by the Alabama Legislature, with high tribute to his life and meritorious public service to Autauga County and its citizens.
Acknowledgment of Pace's roles and achievements (Autauga County Commissioner and Chairman 1990-1994; U.S. Air Force service during the Korean War; leadership in projects such as the Tenaska plant, Robert Trent Golf Trail, Autauga Metro Jail, and Probate Office; founder of Autauga Academy and first football coach; public service through the Department of Youth Services; and his family legacy through his daughter Joy Pace Booth).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Commissioner W.O. Pace, Death Mourned