Darrell "Ace" Bex

Darrell "Ace" Bex, age 70, went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2026. Born on November 8, 1955, Ace lived much of his life in Palestine, Illinois, before later making his home in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Ace was the kind of man who showed his faith and his love through the way he lived every single day. He always carried a cross in his pants pocket, a quiet reminder of the trust he placed in the Lord. He lived with steady faith, as you've probably heard him say, "God is good, God is great, thank you for this day," a phrase that came as naturally to him as breathing. He trusted the Lord fully and walked that trust out in how he treated people and showed up for them.

No matter where he lived, Ace had a way of making deep, lifelong friendships. He was the most loyal friend you could have, with a huge servant's heart and a constant eye for where he could help next. He worked hard, never sat still, and was always fixing something for someone (whether it was broken or not). If he wasn't helping someone else, you'd find him in his shop tinkering or fishing on the lake.

As a father, Ace showed his love in practical ways. His love was steady, dependable, and woven into the way he lived his life. He wasn't flashy or loud with his affection, but you never had to question it. He led by example, teaching his children the value of hard work, loyalty, and serving others without expecting anything in return. You could count on him, always.

If you looked up the word ornery in the dictionary, many would tell you Ace's name belonged right there beside it. He loved to pester people just for fun and stirring the pot with playful teasing and proudly declaring, "Just call me Maytag, the agitator." He had more sayings than anyone could count, and if Nancy ever finished one of his sentences, he'd stop and look at her like, "How did you know what I was going to say?" Because he said them all the time. If Ace loved you, you knew it, because he probably picked on you the most. And he also probably had a nickname for you. He wasn't a man of many words, but you felt his love in his hugs.

Ace found his greatest joy in being "Papa." He loved watching Owen play baseball and spending time fishing with him, always proud to be there and take it all in. He took special pride in teaching Bryson how to drive the "Mack truck," patiently walking him through it and enjoying every minute. And then there was Avery, his favorite girl in the whole world, who had him completely wrapped around her finger. She could get away with just about anything, and he wouldn't have it any other way. His grandchildren meant everything to him, and time with them was what mattered most.

Above all else, Ace adored his wife, Nancy. She was the center of his world. His love for her was deep and steady, and it showed in the way he cared for her and made her laugh every day. He was happiest when he was with her.

Ace never needed recognition or praise. He didn't want the credit. He just wanted to help and quietly leave people better than he found them. His faith wasn't loud or showy, but it was evident in the way he lived his everyday life.

Ace is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Bex; his sister, Cindy Fuller (Jim Fuller) of Palestine, Illinois; his son, Clint Bex (Judi Bex) of Florence, South Carolina; and his daughter, Laci Owens (Chris Owens) of Salisbury, North Carolina. He was most proud of and deeply devoted to his grandchildren, Owen Bex of Florence, South Carolina; Bryson Owens of Salisbury, North Carolina; and the girl who had him completely wrapped around her finger, Avery Owens of Salisbury, North Carolina. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Karla Tuttle; nieces Tammy Kennedy (Dustin Kennedy) and Lisa Beabout (Jeremy Beabout); nephew Nic Glyshaw (Allison Glyshaw); great-nephew Wyatt Kennedy (Katelyn Kennedy); great-niece Alysa Kennedy; great-niece Zoey Beabout; great-nephew Brody Beabout; along with many cousins and friends who were treated like family.

Ace was preceded in death by his parents.

A time of visitation will be held on February 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 12:00 p.m., at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine, Illinois. Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at Rocky Mount Church in Mooresville, NC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, feel free to contribute to the following in memory of Ace:

Parkinson's Research Foundation

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Habitat for Humanity