Dr. Frederick (Fred) Macnair Pacey, 92, of Galesburg, IL, passed away peacefully at 11:00 p.m. on April 3, 2025.
Fred was born on February 19, 1933, in Galesburg to Dr. Walter and Marian (Macnair) Pacey. He married Judith “Judy” Reily on June 20, 1959, in Moline, IL. They shared a loving marriage until her passing.
Fred is survived by his two sons, Kurt Macnair Pacey (Suzanne) of Alpharetta, GA, and Tim Severs Pacey (Susan) of San Diego, CA; five grandchildren—Tanner Robert Swayne, Blake Elizabeth Fisk (RT) and Macnair Walter Pacey, Matthew Reily and Sydney Leigh Pacey; great grandchildren, James Lee Fisk and Pendelton Elizabeth Fisk; and his brother, Dr. Jack Pacey of Dahinda, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife Judy; his parents; and his sister, Joan Boydstun.
Fred graduated from Galesburg High School in 1951. He attended Northwestern University and Knox College before earning his degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1962. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1956 with Air Sea Rescue, stationed in Japan and Korea.
Fred practiced dentistry in Galesburg for more than four decades, from 1962 to 2005. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta and Delta Sigma Delta, served on the board of United Federal Savings and Loan, and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg.
He loved golf and was a longtime member of Soangetaha Country Club, also playing often during winters in Fort Myers, FL. He cherished time spent skiing and traveling with Judy and close friends. One of his favorite memories was building an ice rink in the backyard on Prairie Street and teaching his sons and neighborhood kids how to skate—a reflection of his deep love for family and community.
Above all else, Fred was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His family meant everything to him.
A celebration of life will be planned in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred Pacey’s name to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, in Peoria, Illinois.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
