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Coley Wallace Obituary
Wallace died in a Manhattan hospital Sunday of heart failure, his attorney and friend Raymond Sussman said Sunday.
Wallace had a record of 20-7-0 in six years as a professional, but his most memorable moment came as an amateur in 1948, when he defeated Marciano in the New York Golden Gloves tournament. It is believed that the defeat was the only loss ever by Marciano, who went on to win the heavyweight championship and was unbeaten in 49 fights.
"People like Muhammad Ali looked up to him because when they were learning how to box, he was one of the African-American boxers of note," Sussman said.
Wallace is best known for twice portraying Joe Louis on film, once in "The Joe Louis Story" in 1953 and again in Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull" in 1980.
Wallace also starred in "Carib Gold" in 1957 and played a part in "Rooftops" in 1989.
He is survived by his wife, Pearlie-May, and a daughter Pat.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
65 Entries
Steve Schuman
October 3, 2023
Coley cut my hair when I was a youngster in Brooklyn. He opened a barber shop next door to my Dad's grocery (Jack Schuman) on Jackson Street in Greenpoint. May God rest his soul.
sheldon collymore
April 1, 2021
hi pat wallace this is sheldon im just seeing this...
Vernon (Butch) Wilkins
April 18, 2020
Thank you for the great memories and being a father figure to me.
Vernon Wilkins
April 18, 2020
You were a great inspiration to me! Thank you from my Mom and I.
How you can show support
September 26, 2018
Uncle Coley,truly you made me laugh your heart was bigger then life.when you came to uncle Jerry and aunt Penny house we ate all the time she would make your favorite.I'm the daughter of James Carson aka Pete.
Joanne Jones Hampton, VA
Walter Acord
March 16, 2016
I'm watching your Joe Lewis movie and think you did a good job on it. Rest in peace
LEVON SMILEY
May 18, 2014
God Bless, I know this message comes all too late, however we wish to express our deepest sympathy in the passing of Mr. Coley Wallace. My name is Lavonda Smiley Grandy, I'm the daughter of Mr. Levon Smiley, one of Mr. Wallace oldest friend in New York from his boxing years. I myself have heard so many wonderful things about Mr. Wallace and my father's friendship during those times. My father is now 91 years old and still to this day speaks about their friendship with such high regards. My father wanted to let your family know how sad he was about his passing. As well as not being able to extend his condolences in person. He didn't know about his passing until much later and had no way to extend his sympathies at that time. I have some wonderful pictures and stories I would love to share with his wife and daughter/family of some very happy times he had with my father. If you should read this guest book, my father would love to hear from you. Again, God bless your entire family, we hope that you are blessed with as many wonderful memories as we have had with Mr. Wallace. Levon Smiley / Lavonda S. Grandy – my email - [email protected]
January 20, 2014
Rest in Sweet Peace
Rosalie Keith
August 18, 2013
I met Mr Wallace when I was an intern in Brooklyn in 1986. I recognized his name from movies when I was a kid...couldn't believe it was he, but there he was. Last week I found the paper he autographed for me very kindly, when he wasn't feeling very well. He was very kind and interested in what I was doing, talked about his family, seemed a very nice and generous man. I am sorry to be so late but I wish his family well and I wish them peace.
MEL FRIEDMAN
July 13, 2013
I FIRST MET COLEY WHEN I WAS 11 OR 12 YEARS OLD AT MY AUNT AND UNCLES HOME THEIR NAMES WHERE BEA AND BERT BOXER AND LIVED IN ROCKVILLE CENTRE NY. WHAT A THRILL IT WAS TO MEET A REAL LIFE BOXER WHO ALSO WAS MUCH LARGER THAN THIS THEN SKINNY LITTLE KID .I REMEMBER HIM AS SUCH A GENTLE PERSON PERSON.LATER ON I REMEMBER WHEN HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING THE JOE LOUIS STORY THERE WERE PICTURES TAKEN AT A LOCATION IN UPSTATE NY WITH COLEY AND JOE LOUIS. I BELIEVE SOME OF THESE PHOTOS ARE STILL IN POSSESION OF ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS I MET COLEY AGAIN AT A BOXING MATCH MANY YEARS LATER ON LONG ISLAND WHEN I APPROACHED HIM I INTRODUCED MYSELF HIS FACE LIT UP AND SHOOK MY HAND AND MADE SURE I GAVE HIS REGARDS TO MY AUNT AND UNCLE
harvey robbins
March 9, 2013
as a junior high schooler in l955 a classmate was named coley wallace. i often wondered when i became older and an avid sports fan and sportwriter by profession if this youn coley was in any way related to the fine boxer. any input?
Nick Gamvas
April 7, 2011
MEMORY ETERNAL! A BOXING GREAT!
December 15, 2010
To the Wallace Family, I am sadden to hear of the passing of Mr. Wallace. I lost contact with he and his wife, who was my children's teacher at P.S. 41 in Brooklyn, N.Y. when we moved. She was Ms. Mulet before marrying Mr. Wallace. We became friends and they would visit me and my kids, Caleen and Anthony at my house. Over the years we thought of and spoke of them so often. Tonight I went on the internet to look them up and to my sadden surprise I found out that Coley had passed over 5 years ago. It's kind of hard to hold back the tears. I'll contact Caleen and Anthony and let them know. I would love to hear from Ms. Mulet (Wallace). Again, I am so sorry for the passing of Mr. Wallace
Mary F. Cook
Denise Bussey
March 1, 2010
If anyone on here knows how I can find my God Sister Colette (Coley's daughter) I would be so thankful. I see that she has posted on here but the link to contact her is not working.
Shirley Wilson
January 7, 2010
Thank you Father, for sending the Holy Spirit to comfort, counsel, help, intercede, defend, strengthen, and stand by this family in their time of grief and sorrow.
I also am a family member but I am just finding out about Coleys' death he passed on the 30th and my Mom passed on the 26 same month and year. Jimmy and Elmira Wilson were my parents.(DeLand Florida). I live in Brooklyn. I left Collete an e-mail. May God bless you.
Joseph Chavis
October 29, 2009
I last saw you at a Chavis family reunion around 2000. You looked good and you had that smile. We talked for a short time and walked down to the river. I did not know you that well, but could tell you were special and a true champion... We knew each other.
sharon roberts
June 2, 2009
I bought this movie for 2 dollars, I had no ideal of the inpact that it would have on me. The standards, those who handled him. Has brought me to a point of going back to the old fashion way of life. The movie the ring was also attached. It show me ( the difference between those who are there for you truely) The Joe louis story showed how he had those who really cared to train him properly. The ring was a very good movie. It showed those who just wanted to make a buck. I have watched it now about 50 times. Trying to learn a clear since of obediance. I have learn alot. Thank you. I am sad. Because i wondered what had happen to such a great man. Yet i am glad to have been exposed to his talent... God Bless his work to keep helpping others as it has done for me.
Denise Bussey
April 12, 2009
To my god father, you are truly missed. My parents knew that you were a special man and gave me the precious gift of you as my god parent.
Love and Miss you dearly!
Priscilla Jung
January 22, 2009
Hi I was watching a movie about Joe Louis and i bought the DVD version
for one dollar.It was a fantastic movie and it shows you the period in
to which how life was like during the
time of Joe Louis.Corey Wallace was a fantastic actor and I hope that there will be more actors like him.
Richie Joselit
October 8, 2008
there in not a day that goes bye that i don't think of you. you represented everything that is good in life i miss the smile and your friendship rest in peace my friend
christina browder
September 15, 2008
In loving memory of Joe Louis, the greatest heavyweight champion to ever live and the greatest role model for his cousin to ever live.
george anthony harris
August 21, 2008
i watched you many times in the Joe Louis story of 1953, and it really amazed me how much you looked like the legendary brown bomber. may god bless you and give your soul divine rest.
Harold Wilson
August 13, 2008
Cousin Coley,
Thanks for the memories. I remember this Bronze Giant visiting me and my parents, Maxie and Myra Wilson when I was just a little boy in Jacksonville,Fla. How blessed I am to be apart of your blood line.
larry smith
May 4, 2008
Coley Wallace fought an exhibition match in Richmond in the early fifties. Proceeds went to Maggie Walker H.S.. His school. I met him then. A nice gentleman
Joseph Chavis jr.
September 10, 2007
I remember stories being told of Coley Wallace in Richmond Virginia while growing up during the 50s. I met Mr. Coley Wallace once at a Chavis family reunion at Deep Bottom outside of Richmond Virginia. He was the gentleman that everyone described.
LOREEN NORRIS
December 21, 2006
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A FAN OF JOE LOUIS EVEN THOUGH HE WAS BEFORE MY TIME I BOUGHT THE JOE LOUIS STOREY MOVIE I WAS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD WHEN IT WAS FILMED COLEY WALLACE WAS EXCELLENT. HE HAS A STRONG RESEMLENCE TO ME OF THE GREAT MUHAMMAD ALI. MAY MR WALLACE REST IN PEACE.
Rahman Shabazz
September 23, 2006
Well Mr.Wallace you were a great friend to me and a good barber.i loved the stories that you, told about Min.Farrakhan and yourself back and the days!!! you will be missed.
Tom Odetto
August 29, 2006
Dear Coley
I enjoyed watching you portray, " Joe Louis " in 1953. Rest In Peace, Tom Odetto Sr.
Daryl Vaughn
May 7, 2006
I remember watching the joe louis story many times with my father, sorry to hear about his passing
Thomas E. Robinson
July 10, 2005
I saw coley in the joe lewis story
at the savoy theatre in mississippi;
this mississippi was before martin
luther king. and we black kid left that theatre that night WHISTLING'
thanks coley for making us proud'
thomas robinson
hainesville, ill
Tawann Guice
April 7, 2005
I am the son of one, to whom is the daughter of another. another of greatness, another of pride, another who's work were not for himself but for the betterment of others. Father, Brother, Uncle, "GRANDFATHER". A man who left foot prints of gold behind him, yet in his soul was the humilty of a true Apostle for Christ.
I am brother to Patrick, and Torey. Son to Patricia and Grandson To Coley. My heart will forever be without, until that great day of glory, crossing that vast blue sky, when we meet again in the arms of God.
I will always Love you "DADDY".
You grandson: Tawann (Poppa)
Thank you all, family and friends for you kind words of love.
May God Bless you.
WILLIE WILLIAMS
February 25, 2005
HE WAS A LOVELY AND DEARING FRIEND, AND FATHER TO ME AND MY WIFE, MRS. DIANTHA WILLIAMS. I REMEMBER THE GREAT TIMES THAT WE'VE SHARED AT MY HOUSE HAVING DINNER AND WATCHING HIS MOVIES.
HE WILL BE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS!
GOD BLESS YOU DAD!
LOVE, WILLE & DIANTHA WILLIAMS
Joseph N. Small, Jr.
February 21, 2005
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Wallace family in NYC. Here in Boston are several extended family members (Platt) who will remember Uncle Coley with love and respect. To his grandson Patrick, always cherish those memories of your grandfather. Coley Wallace will always be a Champ in the hearts of many fight fans.
Vickie Jeffries
February 11, 2005
Hi,
My aunt is Pearlie-May (my mother's sister)and I had the pleasure of meeting Coley. He was a very nice man and I was saddened at his passing. He will be remembered becaue of the wonderful things that he did in his lifetime. My condolences to his family.
Colette Wallace
February 11, 2005
I'm Colette Wallace. I'm thankful to have a dad that has fulfilled so many accomplishments in life. Not only being a boxer but being a the only dad I know is just enough for me. What ever I did In life he was always their for me and I truly appreciate that but like everyone says life will go on. Just keep him in your heart because he's always been in mine. We all will truly miss him.
Thank you all for your prays.
The Mulet family also sends out their condolences
Harry Haft
February 10, 2005
I sparred with coley at the 125th st gym, and fought Marciano in 1949. I was broke, and coley and his family took me in. His father loved boxing and Joe Louis; I was treated like family ( I was white)despite the racism all around. Coley told me that he was offered money to fight Marciano and LOSE. He had to much character to take a fight under those conditions. Rest in peace.
Jacques Richmond
February 9, 2005
Helllo all,
I met Coley Wallace when he came out to visit my parents (Mr. & Mrs. C.M. Richmond) years ago in Los Angeles. He was there to film a movie as I recall. I was just a child then but growing up i have often reflected back with fondness of that visit. Tonight I was caught off gaurd to find out that Coley has passed away. I'm very sad to hear this news and my prayers are truely with his family for this loss.
take care, jacques
Sharma Wilson
February 8, 2005
I am a friend of Collete Wallace. We attended school together I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you. rest in peace
much love Sharma!
Dewey (Bridges) Sanders
February 5, 2005
To my Aunt Wendy,Uncle Johnny,Aunt Francis, Cousin Tyrone, Mark, Little Johnny, Francis, Kim, Ernie, Deborah,and all of my family;I will miss my Uncle Coley dearly, and while exams kept me from being with family today - Know that my heart is now and forever will be, with all of you. Love always,your cousin - Dewey Sanders.
Daniel Doiron
February 5, 2005
"Coley, Thank you for your kindness and a life filled with so many moments each as classy as the first, but never last”
"Where there is mercy, hope climbs faith's golden hills"
For your friends and loved one:
"Prayer is love returned to sender"
Bobby Cassidy
February 4, 2005
I met Coley many times at Ring 8 meetings where all the great, former fighters gather. He was always a very, very nice man. A class act.
sarah thorpe
February 3, 2005
hey coley....i was just wondering if you could call in a favor for me.........? i have a friend who has passed and i was just wondering if you could give him a huge heads up there? he was a great rookie boxer and great spirit..he probably really idolized you bub.
George Hobbs Jr.
February 3, 2005
I am deeply sadden to here of the lost, of a great friend, and caring person. In my early years of boxing I met him, him and my dad were very good friends. I remember going to his home in brooklyn and watching his old fights as a professional. He introduced me too my professional trainer John Grinage{johnnyBoy} His presence, when he was around was bigger than life. I will always remember him, he has touched my soul in a deep way. I still can here him call my name. He will be truely missed by us all God Bless You Coley Wallace
Cynthia Hardy-Palmer
February 3, 2005
May the peace of God be in your lives today.
Patrick Anthony Leake
February 2, 2005
To all, thank you so very much, I am Coley Wallace's Grandson and I stumbled onto this page as I was researching some history on him and I must say I was unbelievably touched by all your words. Thank you so much for all of you and the words you expressed on behalf of him.
If you did not know him, or were never fortunate to have had him cross your paths, let me tell you, he was an amazing man and the epitome of a Gentleman..If I am lucky enough to be half the man he was then I will be blessed. But my family and I were more blessed to have had him for as long as we did and we will never forget his greatness in the ring, but moreso outside of it, because that is where his true legacy will be thought about and how he will be remembered.
I thank you all and I hope that God may bless you and your loved ones as well, and we again thank you for remembering my Grandfather and what truly made him the man he was, while never becoming "Heavyweight Champion" he became a Champion in other ways that can never be duplicated again. Thank You.
Domonick Jackson
February 2, 2005
Coley Wallace will be missed...God bless his soul and may the family find strength and peace during this difficult time. Thank God for the oportunity to be able to share Coley Wallace with the rest of us in his films and bouts.
DONALD & NORMA WILSON
February 2, 2005
GOD BLESS YOU.
Nakia Wallace
February 2, 2005
Thank you, Uncle Coley for all the love and support you've given us through the years. You will always be a superstar to me!!!
Megan Waring
February 2, 2005
Uncle Coley, Your Soul can now sore to even greater hights than ever before! Your a legend and I am Proud to call you my Uncle. We love you dearly. Peace.
noah shorts
February 2, 2005
may god bless you
Mark Alston
February 1, 2005
Coley Wallace this man was a Legend in his own time. Will live on being a Legend. RIP Brother
Steven DeGeorge
February 1, 2005
Loved Him in the Joe Louis bio. He was just great. Not only did he look and act like him I thought that it was Joe. May his soul rest in peace with the Lord.
Ronda Singleton
February 1, 2005
To the family of Mr. Coley Wallace:
May God comfort you during your time of grief. May you find peace in knowing that Mr. Wallace was a respected athlete in the sport of boxing and we will remember him always.
Coley was truly an amazing talent. He is a veteran in the sport of boxing and his accomplishments are much to be admired. You have our respect and admiration. Thank you Mr. Wallace and may you rest in peace.
Bookers Boxing Academy
Battle Creek, MI
victoria thomas
January 31, 2005
TO THE FAMILY
MAY THE PRESENCE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST... FILL THE EMPTY SPACES THAT ARE LEFT BEHIND BY COLEY. JESUS IS YOUR GREATEST COMFORT NOW AND ALWAYS, "SUNSHINE"
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