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Wallace EPPS Obituary

Wallace Thomas EPPS

May 2, 1931 ~August 31, 2012

After enjoying a sunny day filled with visits from caregiver Ryan, best friend Jack Lynch and daughter and grandson Nancy and Kenny Epps, Wally left us to be reunited with his "Little Princess" Shirley. Wally was born in Seattle to Henry and Blanche Epps. He attended Lincoln High School and was a life long Teamster retiring from the Seattle P-I in 1990. Wally worshiped the sun, having fun and making people laugh. He spent many summers in Chelan and loved a glass of wine with friends and family, bridge, baseball, golf and travel to the southwest deserts especially his beloved Death Valley. Wally was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Ann and brothers Jack and Warren. He is survived by sisters Margie Lou Diehl (Alan) and Mary Theo Patterson (Pat), daughters Sharon Margaret Cox (Michael) and Nancy JoAnn Epps and grandson Kendrick Wallace Epps and numerous nieces and nephews. Like the Blue Moon that arose that night signalling his rise to the stars Wally was unique and very special. He is loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Celebration of Life Saturday Sept 15th, 1:00 pm. Green Acres Clubhouse, 23825 15th Ave SE, Bothell, WA 98021.

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

Published by The Seattle Times from Sep. 7 to Sep. 9, 2012.

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Jean Simpson

September 1, 2020

Remembering our dear friend Wally. Lots of happy memories travelling with Wally and Shirley to the desert. Wally always had funny stories to tell of happenings in his life. Miss them both, Jean, Peter, and Sarah Simpson.

Jean Simpson

September 1, 2019

A wonderful friend still very much missed by the Simpson family.
We spent many happy times in the company of Wally and Shirley.

September 14, 2012

Growing up with Uncle Wally and Aunt Shirley,Sharon and Nancy was so special. I can't imagine summers without them and the time we spent together when young. Wally was always the life of the party and lived life fully. I plan to follow his example and make the most of my life - love my people, have fun and enjoy the sunshine. May you rest in peace, Uncle Wally.

Anne Monks

September 13, 2012

Dear Sharon, Nancy, Kenny and Mike-
thinking of how each of you had your own special interactions with your Dad/Grandpa. It was truly entertaining to be present at an Epps family function. Wally leading the way with laughter and with jokes and stories. Shirley sitting quietly- amused. He always seemed to remember to bring up those "memorable" events from our "growing-up years". Your Dad was the first one to educate me about the dessert plant life during a trip in which we all met in Tempe for spring training. He sure taught you two daughters a few things about baseball, the dessert, and you both shared that appreciation with me. Your Dad will be missed. Love to all of you.
Anne

Sumner Davenport

September 13, 2012

It's impossible to say Wally without smiling. He loved the sunshine and brought it with him everywhere he went. Over a gin and tonic he could cast a spell with his stories; always entertaining with with laughter and joy. He spoke lovingly of family and kindly to strangers.

Wally was an exuberant being, in love with life and in love with his Shirley. He couldn't see having one without the other. After her departure last year, he stayed behind to continue to share his love to those who loved him. He knew his Shirley was waiting for him and preparing a place where they would both celebrate being together again. A place of love and never ending sunshine. He promised to be with Shirley forever, and now he can keep his promise - again.

Wally enjoyed the sunshine of life to his fullest and last breath. In his true style, he chose to depart on a blue moon, because he too was a rarity, a kind we don't see too often.

Wally always had a sunny, contagious smile. Whenever he would hear someone was having a difficult time, he would say - it's gonna be better tomorrow; and now for Wogs, he has the tomorrow he has been longing for.

My heart has a special place for those precious memories of the days he added to the joy in my life whenever I had the good fortune to be around him.

September 13, 2012

Uncle Wally ,what can I say. An amazing kind of guy. Story teller, funny! How did he come up with all those one liners right off the cuff. Sweet, when he talked about Shirley or his brother, my Dad, he would get teary and then tell a funny story and make us laugh. He adored his girls and grandson and was so proud of them, had pictures up and tales to tell. Such a ray of the sunshine that he loved was my Uncle Wally. We will miss him.

Ryan Simmons

September 12, 2012

I enjoyed spending the few hours a week I had with Wolly. He was an enjoyable person and will miss seeing him every week.

Peter Simpson

September 12, 2012

We have so many happy memories of Wally, the laughs we had on our numerous trips together with him and Shirley. He was a real "character" There was no body else quite like him.
Peter and Jean.

Alan Diehl

September 10, 2012

We were always happy to see Wally's smiling face when he came down to California to get some “rays” and visit with family and friends. Wally and Shirley came to California once or twice a year for some 55 years and when Sharon and Nancy were younger; Wally & Shirley would meet us at Bass Lake to enjoy the water and sun. We will truly miss him.

Mary, Wally, Margie

Margie & Mary Diehl & Patterson

September 10, 2012

Wally was the best brother anyone could have. No matter what the situation, he always found something on the bright side. We'll miss him so much.

Kim Goodman

September 7, 2012

There was no better, funnier guy, friend or co-worker, nor one who enjoyed and loved his family, life and the sun more than Wally. It was a great privilege to know him. Rest in peace with your Princess dear old friend.

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