The world gained a true original on December 10, 1945, when Charles Leslie Wallace, Sr was born in Hull, Texas. On September 11, 2025, with is loving family by his side Leslie rode into eternity, leaving behind a legacy as bold, fearless, and unforgettable as the man himself.
Leslie lived life with the throttle wide open. He was a 1964 graduate of Liberty High School, a proud Vietnam Veteran, he served his country with courage and conviction, carrying the values of honor and duty with him long after his service ended. His journey didn't stop there-Leslie wore many hats, each one as remarkable as the last.
He served as Chief of Police here in
Liberty, Texas, leading with integrity and grit. Prior to becoming Chief, he took to the highways as a motorcycle cop in Beaumont, Texas. Leslie always took to the skies as a daring pilot, whether he was flying for a casino trip or picking his children up here at Liberty Airport. Leslie also loved the racetracks and became a skilled thoroughbred horse trainer and owner. With River Run Stables in Dequeen, Arkansas, and Convent, Louisiana, Leslie turned his passion for horses into a way of life, shaping champions and friendships along the way. Leslie was never one to slow down and expected the same from those around him.
Leslie found joy in a good game of golf, the quiet serenity of his farm, and the company of his beloved cows, joy in a pasture full of cattle. More than anything, Leslie's farm was his life, his life revolved around his farm and cattle 365 days a year. The farm was a legacy, a tradition. Leslie's heart belonged to that land; he knew it like the back of hand. He loved the open road, the open sky, and a good dance floor (winning many contests ). His laughter and two-step could light up any room. He had a gift for turning ordinary days into adventures, and those who knew him knew that with Leslie around, life was never dull.
A lifelong learner and teacher, Leslie started out as a barber, then Leslie graduated from Lamar University, then went on to Sam Houston State University and obtained his master's degree in criminology and shared his sharp mind by teaching accounting classes for Prairie View A&M, taught at the Police Academy, taught defensive driving and driver's ed classes. He believed knowledge was meant to be passed on, and he took pride in guiding others to grow. Even after retirement, Leslie continued to be a property owner, not only managing his farm, but rental homes, as well as apartments. He was also airport manager at Liberty Municipal Airport for many years.
Leslie is preceded in death by his parents, Martell Carrico Fregia and Edmon Fregia, and his brothers, Vernon Wallace and Douglas Wallace.
He is survived by the love of his life, and wife of 22 years, Melissa Anne Wallace; his children Charles Leslie "Chuck" Wallace Jr. and wife Diana, Jani Wallace-McCoy, and Chad Wallace and spouse Krystall; four siblings, Kandy Wallace, Curtis Wallace, Audra Vaughn and Brenda Wallace; sixteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, each of whom carry his fire, his humor, and his heart forward. Leslie also has a host of loving relatives and friends, which includes his "Bonus" Children; Kade Turner and wife Tiffany, Bethany Machacek and husband Brandon, and Brooks Turner.
Leslie has now hung up his boots and took his final ride, leaving behind a trail of stories and a legacy as wide and unforgettable as the Texas sky.
To know Leslie was to know a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and never once backed down from a challenge. Leslie was never a man to be fenced in. His story is not one of quiet passing, but of a life roared at full volume-a life of service, adventure, laughter, and love.
A celebration of Leslie's extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Allison Funeral Service in
Liberty, Texas. Family and friends are invited to gather, swap stories, and honor the man who taught us all that life is meant to be lived out loud. Visitation at 2:00pm. Service begins promptly at 3pm in the Chapel.
Serving as Pallbearers: Grayson Wallace, Logan Whitney, Cason Wallace, London Whitney, Jim Zimmer and Santiago Barajas. Honorary Pallbearers: Randy Carrico, Kade Turner, Scott "Scoot Dog" Parker, Clayton Smith and Jason Herrington.
A very special thank you to Leslie's friend, Dr. Don Callens and all his wonderful and helpful caregivers, who cared for him day and night without fail.