George Lamar Wallace III

George L. Wallace III (Ches), age 67, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of January 27. He was a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend, and he will be greatly missed.

Ches grew up in Martinsville, VA and attended Henry County Public Schools. With almost 30 years of dedicated service to his job at the MARC Workshop in Martinsville, VA, Ches took tremendous pride in his job. He was the rare and fortunate person who loved going to work every single day.

Ches moved to Blacksburg, VA in 2012 to be with his sister and to help with caring for his family. Ches, who never met a stranger, quickly made many new friends in the New River Valley. He served on the board of The Arc of New River Valley, was a volunteer dog walker, and enjoyed helping family and friends with errands and chores that made their lives easier.

In his retirement, Ches was able to devote more time to his lifelong passion – music. He loved going to hear live music of all types, from opera to bluegrass, rock and roll to classical, jazz to church hymns; Ches knew and loved it all. He was a loyal supporter of local high school and college theater, especially musicals. Ches seized every chance possible to join various bands on stage in accompaniment on one of his percussion instruments. He had music in his soul, and this love connected him to many special people over the years.

Ches is survived by his sister Kate Wallace McCoy, brother in law Harry McCoy, niece Corinne McCoy, dear cousins in Martinsville, VA and close family friend Alvin Bernard Hairston. He was preceded in death by his parents Patty and George Wallace, his nephew Harry (Bo) McCoy, and the love of his life Helen Jo DeShazo.

His family would like to thank Ches' special caregivers especially Jessica Riddle and Kip Scott, the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living Memory Care especially Kaitlynn and Maddy, Dr. Gregory Beato, Carilion Hospice, and the wonderful staff at The Heritage House, who loved Ches so well in his last days.

Ches was a gentle, kind and patient man who lived each day joyfully. No one loved a good yo-yo session or a game of paddle ball or ping pong with friends more than Ches; he knew how to make time to play each day. He was a wise teacher and a living example of the power of kindness, acceptance and love for all living creatures in this world. There will be a private celebration of Ches' life in the spring.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations to:

The Arc of New River Valley

P.O. Box 11204

Blacksburg, VA 24062

Or by online giving at www.thearcnrv.org