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John Wallace Obituary

John E. Wallace , of Boones Mill, Va., peacefully went home to God on June 16, 2010, at the age of 79. He was born in Tampa, Fla., son of Sophronia Albritton Osteen and John and Frances Wallace. He grew up in Sebring and St. Petersburg. He earned a bachelor's degree from Lynchburg College and received a Master's of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Ind. John taught 7th grade at Boones Mill High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force serving stateside from 1954 until 1957. He served three churches in Indiana before returning to the United States Air Force in 1966 as a Chaplain.
His assignments included Robins AFB, Ga., Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, Pope AFB, N.C., RAF Upper Heyford and Croughton, Great Britain, Wilford Hall Medical Center San Antonio, Texas, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Lackland AFB, Texas, and Izmir Air Station, Turkey. His military decorations include the Bronze Star.
After retiring from the United States Air Force, John served as pastor at Doe Run Christian Church, Belmont Christian Church and interim locations throughout Virginia.
John E. Wallace is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sue Bussey Wallace; four daughters, Sue (Mike) Crane, Rebecca (Chuck) Beadle, Linda Wallace and Carol (Mark) Michie; brother, Paul (Jeannie) Wallace; sister, Barbara (Errol) Lanier; sister-in-law, Elizabeth B. Webster; nieces, Stephanie (Mike) Patton, Jodi (Jeff) Glenn and Jessica (Lenny) Thomas; nephews, R.E. (Randi) Lanier, Troy (Christy) Lanier, Sean Lanier, and Jeff (Jennifer) Miller; 10 grandchildren, Tricia Crane, James (Ashley) Crane, Caitlin (James) Nichols, Joshua Beadle, Rachael, Karen, Thomas and Olivia Michie, and Mollie and Walker Bussey-Spencer; and 12 great-nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Flora Funeral Service, Friday, June 18, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friends may call after 3 p.m. His service will be held 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2010, at Boones Mill Christian Church. Interment will be at Mountain View Memorial Park, Boones Mill, Va. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Boones Mill Christian Church, 7950 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Va. 24065. Arrangements by Flora Funeral & Cremation Service, Rocky Mount.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Jun. 17 to Jun. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Wallace

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July 11, 2010

Linda, I just received your email. I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Sue Altobello

G. "Nick" Nichter

July 9, 2010

Wallace family. I have met many great men in my military career (retired, 24 yrs., USAF) and civilian travels. I obviously missed one. May the grace of God hold you, guide you and comfort you in this time of sorrow. John is in heaven looking upon you all with favor and grace and interceding on your behalf with our loving Heavenly Father.

Keith Williams

July 8, 2010

Linda and family, please accept my deepest condolences at the loss of your father and loved one.
Sincerely,
Keith Williams and family

Debra Ayala-Brown

June 22, 2010

I never had the pleasure of meeting Rev. Wallace, although I attended high school with both Becky & Linda. After what I've read here, it is evident that I really missed out on knowing a wonderful & much loved man. My heart and prayers go out to the entire Wallace family.

June 21, 2010

Carol, please know that I am remembering you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. It is certainly difficult to lose someone so close in our hearts, but you have all the good memories to look back on. Take care and God bless.

Connie Dennis (Social Security Administration)

Carolyn Henritze

June 18, 2010

Sue and Family,
Our family was probably closer to John than any other minister at Belmont. You know how much we all loved him. Thanks for sharing him.
I am so glad we reconnected in the last few months as we prepared for Dana's wedding and know he will be with us in spirit on that special day for her. I will never forget the Christmas Eve service at Belmont when John spoke of the soldiers in Viet Nam and it brought tears to everyone's eyes. He was such a wonderful man.

The Henritze Family

Barry & Lynne Farmer

June 18, 2010

Rev. Wallace was a wonderful man and a kind, compassionate leader in the church. We so enjoyed his time at Belmont and have fond memories of his stories and sermons as well as the time he spent with the Farmer family. Sue, please know we are thinking about you and your family at this difficult time.

June 18, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. We were deeply touched by his prescence and kindness on 9 south. He was so fortunate to have such a loving and caring family and we were touched and grateful to have gotten acquainted with the family. May God bless you as we know he already has.

~9 South PCU, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Staff

John Flood

June 18, 2010

As high school student in a military enviornment, I was naturally intimidated by Chaplain Wallace's rank and position in the military hiearchy. However, once you met and talked with Chaplain Wallace you knew that he was someone very special, and had an uncanny ability of focusing on you, and making you feel special for having spent time with him. He was a rare, compassionate listener who didn't judge, but lived his life by extending himself to help others. We are all better off for having him in our lives, and because of this, he will never be forgotten. He is dearly loved and already missed. My deepest regrets and warmest sympathies.

Sue Fralin George

June 18, 2010

Sincere sympathy to Sue and the family. As a member of the Webster Family, I have lots of memories of Mr. Wallace. The last time he did a funeral, that I attended, it was so special.
God's blessings on all at this time.
Sue F. George & Family

June 18, 2010

Rev. Wallace was one of the best people I have ever known. He was a shining example of Christian mercy and goodness. He will be greatly missed.

- Jennifer Terry Smith, Belmont Christian Church

June 17, 2010

Reverend Wallace was a sweet and kind man. He had the nicest, biggest smile. I haven't seen him in years, but am sad to hear of his passing. He was a big, important part of my wedding day almost 20 years ago. I will never forget him telling my husband and I how important communication is in a marriage. BOY! he was so right. Rest in peace Reverend Wallace and Carol and Family, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Soon the memories will bring comfort, then smiles. Love, Michele Williams Flippo, David and Lauren.

Nonda and Curt Nichols

June 17, 2010

Mr. Wallace brought such style and flair to James' and Caitlin's wedding! What a gracious, generous, and kind gentleman! Memories of time spent with him will always bring a smile.
May God bless and strengthen you through this time of mourning.

Nellie Minnix-Brubaker

June 17, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Connie Minnix-Ailstock

June 17, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Frank Paxton

June 17, 2010

Mrs. Wallace and Family,
Mr. Wallace was a wonderful man. We will miss seeing his smiling face at the mailbox....Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Please let us know if you need anything or if we can assist in any way.
Lisa and Frank Paxton (across the street on Berkley Crest)

Kim Brabham Gembala

June 17, 2010

Sue and famly ... so very sorry for your loss. What a great man of God Mr. Wallace was! He certainly changed my career path in life and I will always be grateful and hold him dear in my heart!

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