THEARTIS WALLACE Obituary

Einan's Funeral Home

Theartis Wallace, 66, of Richland, WA, passed away March 24, 2011, at his home. He was born on March 15, 1945, in Kildare, TX, to Wealthy and Dessie Wallace.

Theartis was a lifelong resident of the Richland area. He was an all-state basketball player at Richland High School and Columbia Basin College. Theartis was inducted into the Richland High School Hall of Fame in 1962. He was the only Northwest player named to the 1969 NAIA All American Team roster and voted honorary team captain by his teammates. Theartis signed a two year contract with the Seattle Supersonics after being picked in the eighth round of the National Basketball Association draft in 1969. He was also an avid tennis player and played many tournaments in the Pacific Northwest and was ranked in the USTA.

Theartis worked for the Nuclear Weapons Industry as Electrician Foreman and belonged to the local IBEW-International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

He is survived by his son, David Wallace of Richland; daughter, Pamela Cousar (Corey) of Dallas, GA; grandsons, Steven Ponce of Pasco, WA, and Daryon Wallace of Richland, WA; granddaughter, Kendra Wallace of Richland, WA; father, Wealthy Wallace Jr., Richland, WA; God-children, Ciara Green of Las Vegas, NV, Rodney Green, De'Vauna Green and Ja'Lani Green, all of West Richland, WA; four brothers, Maurice Wallace (Janice) of Los Angeles, CA, Bruce Wallace (Teresa), Orlando Wallace, both of Richland, WA, Edward Wallace (Jacci) of Kennewick, WA; four sisters, Wilma Woods (Frank) of Seattle, WA, Verneice Skinner (Jerome) of Richland, WA, JoNell Wallace of Renton, WA and Treva Miller (Napoleon) of Pasco, WA. Theartis is also survived by his very special friend Robin Boasen and children Raine Fisher (Steffany) and Danielle Fisher all of Richland, WA and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dessie Mae Wallace and brother, Duane Wallace.

Visitation will be held at Einan's Funeral Home on Friday, April 1, 2011, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Memories at Sunset Event Center in Richland on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at 12:00 p.m. followed by the graveside services at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland.

Donations may be made to Pamela Cousar, 231 Branch Valley Dr., Dallas, GA 30132,

Express your thoughts and memories on our online Guestbook at www.einansfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Tri-City Herald on Mar. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for THEARTIS WALLACE

12 Entries

Angelo Taylor

April 26, 2011

I remember Thea much like my brother Willie does. Calm cool and easy to be around.

I remember being a little projects pre-teen when Thea took an interest in me taking an interest in tennis. And I was happy to learn that it was a favorite sport of his. Actually, I was shocked that another bro'ham in the Tri-Cities loved tennis as much as I'd come to love it... and we were RELATED too! What!?!

Anyway, I had been using a cheap wooden tennis raquet from Kmart and Thea gave me my first REAL racquet... an oversized Prince, no less.

I have missed and will continue to miss Thea, and I hope to see him again. God Bless.
(p.s. I'm looking forward to our rematch.)

Bennie Wallace

April 23, 2011

I will always cherish memories we shared over 31 years of marriage and friendship that remained until your final day. I will always carry you in my heart. The greatest distance cannot separate best friends.

I think you would be proud of you son and daughter as I am for taking care of your business matters and making arrangements to assure the best celebration of your life. I would like to say to our children, grand children and God children those who we love are never truly gone the body may have run its course, but the soul lives forever.

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart forever".

You are truly happy, joyous, and free, my friend.

Bennie Wallace

Willie Taylor

April 21, 2011

What I can say about Thea (whom I will always consider my brother in-law) is that he was a kind and gentle soul of a man who would always put a smile on your face before leaving his presence. As a small child, my first encounter with Thea was when he and my sister Bennie visited my parents home. The first thing I remember is those big long shoes as my little eyeballs started up and up and up and all I can remember thinking is WOW, he is a real giant. Before you know it, he was testing out my hand speed and made me feel like a champ. He was always joking around making us laugh. We had good holidays together filled with good times and laughter. I recall the days he played tennis with me and my brother Angelo. Couldn't beat him but he made sure we had fun. He also was our electrician for our homes and would never accept money offered. I am honored and proud to call him my brother in-law.Yes he was a kind and gentle sole of a man. RIP my brother.

Willie R. Taylor

April 9, 2011

Dear Pam and David,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember how much he loved you both and always wanted the best for you.
Lots of Love from your old neighbor across the street,
Holly

Ja Linda Roquemore

April 3, 2011

Condolences to the Wallace family. I will always remember what a wonderful big brother he was to the neighborhood. He was the one that alway was quick to pop the popcorn. I glad he was a part of my life and he will always have a place in my heart.

Desiree Wisler-Hollingshead

March 31, 2011

Ed, Orlando and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, God Bless you

Greg McMurphy

March 31, 2011

I am proud to have worked for Thea, and grateful to have had the opportunity. I can't say enough about how great it was to work for such a genuinely nice guy.

Karen Upchurch Bowman

March 31, 2011

I'll never forget the amazing basketball at Richland (Columbia) High School in the 60's. Theartis was just outstanding to watch and had a wonderful personality as well. He'll be missed for a long, long, time.
Karen Upchurch Bowman, class of '66

Mike Lonergan

March 31, 2011

Condolences to the Wallace family from over here in Tacoma. Growing up in Richland in the 1960's, when high school basketball was VERY important, I remember Theartis so well. I am pleased to learn that he went on to live a happy and productive life.

Laura K

March 30, 2011

For the family of Thea;

what a wonderful gentle person, Dan enjoyed working with him out in the area. He has been missed since he retired and will now be missed from our lives. Keep the memories alive and hold the dear ones close to your heart.

Ed and Jacci, we are so sorry you are going through this rough time.

Dan and Laura Kuykendall

Cynthia Whiting

March 30, 2011

I will miss Theartis. He was my friend the day he walked in the clinic. Theartis had the most amazing personality, he always had a smile and I kind word. It was a honor, to have met his amazing man! God Bless.

Bill Nerpel..class of 63

March 30, 2011

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

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