Robert Bruce Wallace

Robert Bruce Wallace, age 93, a longtime resident of Ooltewah, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at American House Assisted Living Facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Mr. Wallace, son of the late Wellington James Hamilton Wallace and Clara Belle Bass Wallace, was born September 27, 1932, in Shop Springs, Tennessee. He was a long-time member and deacon of Ridgeview Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. Wallace served his country in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve artillery division, retiring as a Colonel with over 40 years of honorable service.

After high school, he attended and graduated from the University of Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and began working for Interstate Life Insurance Company as well as an adjunct instructor for the University of Chattanooga where his true love for teaching began. In the late 60s, Mr. Wallace continued his educational pursuit and graduated from Florida State University with a Master of Fine Arts degree.

Mr. Wallace became an Art Professor at Valdosta State College after leaving FSU, where he and his family resided in the 70s. In 1978 the family returned to Chattanooga where he taught design, photography, and printmaking at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, culminating a well-respected career. After retiring from UTC, Mr. Wallace also taught a few classes at Chattanooga State.

While at home, many would find him gardening; painting beautiful watercolors and architectural renderings; starting building projects around the house or listening to classical music. The family remembers him as a loving father, devoted husband, and a man of God. He was one that helped anyone at any time – and trusted everyone.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Jane Bell Wallace; three sisters, Elizabeth "Libby" Wallace Erwin, Ellen Joyce Wallace Grant, and Patricia Wallace Cyphers; three brothers, Charles Coleman Wallace, John Bryan Wallace, and James Hamilton Wallace.

Mr. Wallace is survived by three sons, Robert Bruce Wallace, Jr., James Bradley Wallace, and William Scott Wallace; six grandchildren, Jonah, Noah, Thomas, Caitlin, Robert III, and Belinda; numerous other relatives and friends.

Graveside services are scheduled with military honors at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee on Friday, February 27, 2026, 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Bruce Sloan officiating. Arrangements by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home, 555 West Cloud Springs Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.