Earl Phillip Mace, Jr., 88, of Cleveland County, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Atrium Cleveland with his loving wife holding his hand. He was the son of the late Earl Phillip Mace, Sr. and Ada Vera Greene Mace.

After serving in the Air Force for 6 years and even a tour in Japan, he was a proud member of the American Legion Post 82. Earl was a Volunteer firefighter with Cleveland Fire Department, the original Shelby Rescue Squad, and a member of the Hazmat team of Cleveland County. He was employed through Fiber for 31 years where he served in their safety department.

He was an avid fisherman with a love for striper and flounder fishing. A favorite pastime was endurance dirt bike racing and dressing up as Santa every Christmas Eve to surprise his nieces and nephews. If you knew Earl, you knew that every Wednesday him and twelve of his best buddies would be in the man cave playing Texas Hold'em and he never missed an opportunity to go camping anywhere from the mountains to the coast. Clogging, square dancing, woodworking, growing and selling tomatoes, and spending time with his "main squeeze" in the Outer Banks were some of his most treasured times. Honestly, there isn't a lot he didn't do. Earl loved people and was always willing to give of himself.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Jessie Shytle, and brothers, Bill Mace and Max Mace.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 54 years, Lynn Hovis of the home, brother, Jerry Mace (Judy) of Raleigh and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home with Dr. Rick Bowling officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00PM - 2:00PM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park with full military honors.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made in Earl's honor to Cleveland Fire Department or the organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.