Arnett C. Mace, Jr.

Arnett Clay Mace Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in Athens on Monday, April 12, due to complications from an extended illness. He was 83.

The son of Arnett Mace Sr. and Ruth Duke Mace, he was born in Hackers Valley, West Virginia. He earned a BS degree in Forestry from West Virginia University and graduated from the University of Arizona with a MS in Watershed Management and PhD degree in Water Resources.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Betty Yost.

He is survived by his wife Barbara J. Mace of Athens; his son Bradley C. Mace (Paige) of Gainesville, Florida; and his daughters Sharon H. Dean (Darryl) of Commerce and Sandy H. Christopher (Robbie) of Hull. He was also the proud grandfather (Papa) to Brennan Mace, Abigail Mace, Gavin Halberstadt, Evan Williamson, and Tyler Christopher. He is survived by his sister, Brenda Reed (Ken) of Glen Burnie, Maryland and her children Lori and Kenny; and niece Lesley and nephew Bill.

His teaching and administrative credentials include positions at the University of Arizona, the University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources and the University of Florida, School of Forest Resources and Conservation. In 1991, he came to the University of Georgia as dean of the Daniel B. Warnell School of Forest Resources. He was later chosen to serve as the University’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost in 2003 and held that position until his retirement in 2010. He took great pride in his role as both dean and provost. He was a fierce supporter of the University of Georgia where he influenced the lives of thousands of students, faculty, and staff throughout his many years.

In his earlier days, Arnett was an accomplished cyclist, participating in several high-level events during his time in Florida. He was also an avid golfer. One of his favorite courses was the Athens Country Club – where on two occasions he scored a “hole in one” on the 8th hole on the south course. He played golf most of his life until a knee injury prevented him from getting back on the course. But his injury didn’t stop him from finding other ways to be active and express his creativity. He quickly picked up photography and he developed a love for seeing things through a different lens.

His honors include being named a Fellow in the Society of American Foresters, election to the Georgia Foresters Hall of Fame and the Professional Achievement Award from the alumni association at the University of Arizona. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus at West Virginia University, and received the Morse-Amoco Award for outstanding contributions to undergraduate education from the University of Minnesota. In 2010, the UGA Alumni Association honored him with its Faculty Service Award.

Arnett Mace was a man of integrity, determination, generosity, and committed to his family. He had a kind and gentle heart and gave the best words of wisdom. He will truly be missed.

Following Arnett’s wishes, a private family Celebration of Life will be planned in the near future on the beach in Sandestin, Florida, a favorite vacation spot for him and Barbara.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Barbara J. and Arnett C. Mace Jr. Graduate Support Fund, mailed to UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Attn: Development Office, 180 E. Green Street, Athens, GA 30602.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com