Kenneth Woodrow Mace, Sr

Kenneth Woodrow Mace, Sr, 73, of Smithfield, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.  He was the son of the late Vernon Woodrow Mace and Julia May Holland Mace.  He is survived by his son, Kenneth W. Mace, Jr (Tina); grandsons, Kenneth W. Mace, III and Derek Mace; great grandchildren, Khali Mace and Taylor Mace; his brother Glen Mace; a niece, Angie; many nephews, cousins, and a host of extended family.

Kenny was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and son. He was born in Newport News VA where he lived until moving the family to Smithfield in 1986. He married the love of his life Phyllis (Bippie) in 1969 & they were married almost 44 years when she passed away in 2013. He worked for NNFD for 30 years as a mechanic & shop superintendent. He was a man of many crafts. His love for working on firetrucks followed him into retirement, where he became an avid classic car collector, rebuilding them from the ground up. This included several hot rod type cars. He loved taking his 68 Camaro out to the drag strip to show the others a thing or two! He loved going to & later judging the car shows. His ‘hot rod buds’ were his best friends, especially Ronnie who he met in elementary school. This was a true lifeline for him after suddenly losing his beloved wife so unexpectedly.

He had a quick wit & always had a joke ready to share. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends & all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023, 2 p.m. at St. Lukes Memorial Park, Smithfield.  The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m. at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.