Alexander Scott Pace "Big A," 20, of Statesboro, Oxford, and Pensacola, Fla., passed away Oct. 27, doing what he loved, playing soccer.

 Alex was a junior at Georgia Southern University working toward a degree in Information Technology Security. While at Georgia Southern, Alex was actively involved with Student in Free Enterprise, Pittman Park United Methodist Church, and intramural soccer and flag football.

Alex was a proud graduate of Newton High School, and while there, he anchored the soccer team as the goalie beating the cross town rivals Eastside every year. Alex found his love for soccer on the fields at Rockdale Soccer Youth Associations playing several years at the recreation level and several more at the select level. In his first tryout at the select level, Alex was playing goalie and got blindsided by a ball in the mouth, his braces cut his mouth up pretty badly. He returned to the field a few minutes later to resume goalie duties. After tryouts the coach said that Alex made the team on guts alone and the fact that he was a good goalie was a bonus.

Alex was versatile, he was involved in Mr. Brian Thompson’s journalism class as ad manager for two years and loved the challenges that role brought. In his early teens he studied karate under Mr. Todd Woods for three years earning his brown belt. While at Cousins Middle School he spent a year playing football. He even tried bowling and tennis. At one of his tennis lessons, the instructor was trying to teach him a backhand swing, and Alex just moved the racket to the other hand and forehanded the ball, he was ambidextrous. But his love of sports started at Rockdale Youth Baseball Association) with T-ball and several years of baseball.

 Alex grew up as a member of Allen Memorial United Methodist Church in Oxford. He was an active member of the youth group and loved the members of the congregation. He was preceded in death by his pet basset hound Speedy Pace.

Survivors include his mother Melissa Pace, father Matthew Pace, stepmother Kimberly Pace, stepsister Madalyn Wofford, stepbrother Thomas Wofford, stepsister Vivian Wofford, sister Kaitlyn Garrett, and pet basset hound Sparky Pace.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. today, Nov. 3, at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church, 803 Whatcoat Street, Oxford. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Allen Memorial United Methodist Church Youth Fund.