Walter Bishop Wallace Funeral Program

THE OBITUARY

W

alter Wallace was born September 30th, 1940 in Talladega, Alabama to the union of Ernest Lee Wallace Sr and Ruth Christine Chandler, he was the 14th child out of 15 children.

He later moved to Columbus, Ohio in middle school and attended Champion Middle School and graduated in 1958 from Columbus East High School where he marched in the band and played baseball. He also attended Franklin University.

In 1955, The Wallace Brothers Walter, Jesse and DeForest began their rhythm and blues band after graduating from Dr. Ted Turner’s music program at East High School.

Over the years the band played for some of the most prominent musical talents of the era, including Aretha Franklin, The O’Jays, The Temptations and Otis Redding.

Over the years the band members changed to include local stars such as Malcolm “Big M” Mahan, Wynona Douglass, Jeanette Williams, Larry McNeil, Butch McNeil, Dr. Allen Tucker, Bobby Alston, James “Sweetmouth” Hams, Neal Cobb, Donald Payne, Steve Pruitt, Hank Lyman, Lee Aumbry and Bobby Taylor. The Wallace Bros Band thrived in the 60s and 70s when they contracted with the Holiday Inn hotel chain and began traveling to play at the different hotels.

Three of their hit songs include “Sad Man,” “What cha feel is What cha Get,” and “I Might Give Out, but I Won’t Give Up.” In June of 2003, The Wallace Bros Band was inducted into The Columbus Senior Musicians Hall of Fame, Inc. Walter also worked for Columbus Public Schools for many years as a bus driver, maintenance technician and a painter.

As a dedicated husband, father and grandfather Walter Wallace will always be loved and remembered for his beautiful singing voice, his life lessons, his laughter, giving spirit and uncompromising work ethic.

Walter is preceded in Death by his Mother – Ruth Wallace, Father Ernest Wallace Sr., brothers Carson, Horace, Willie, DeForest, Ernest, and Charles and sisters Evelyn Wallace, Martha Davis, Louise Mosley, Mary Woods, Carolyn Bowens and daughter Angela Lynn.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Marion Jean Wallace, sons Terry and Teron Wallace, Daughters Robin Jeffers, Rochelle Bettis, Ronette Smith, Crystal Johnson, Renalda Bufka and Ruciana (Demetrius) Wallace Pate.

Brothers Robert (Terry) Wallace, Jessie Wallace and sister Gladys Wallace; Brother in law William McCall Jr., Sisters in law Elaine Z. Wallace and Bobbie Smith; Grandchildren: Teron Kendricks Jr., Terry Kendricks Jr., Jessica Bettis, Jacob Smith, Michael Bufka, Jennifer Jeffers, Nicholas Bufka, Victoria Bufka, Walter Lee Wallace, Davon Bettis, Genghis Zion Shakhan, Jalen Pate, Zora Shakhan, Zeesa Shakhan and Zaliyah Isabella Pate and other grandchildren; Loyal friend of many years Mike Smith and a host of Great Grandchildren.

ORDER OF SERVICE Visitation and Viewing 10am – 12pm Rev. Dr. Calvin Alston Jr. Pastor Musician Shay Hunt Prelude Video Tribute Scripture Reading Rev. Dr. Calvin Jr. The Old Testament Psalm 121: 1-2

The New Testament John 14: 27-28

Selection Musician Shay Hunt Prayer of Comfort Pastor Mamie Jenkins Acknowledgements Taryn Shank Selection Musician Shay Hunt Reading of “A Celebrated Life” Cheryl Thomas Special Remarks Two Minutes Please Tribute Ruciana Wallace Pate Selection Musician Shay Hunt Eulogy Pastor Sokoto Fulani Closing Prayer Pastor Sokoto Fulani Recessional Clergy, Family and Friends

THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY If I walk in the pathway of duty, If I work till the close of the day, I shall see the great King in His beauty, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.

When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I will rest at the close of the day; And I know there are joys that await me, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way. (words by J. Ottman Jr.)

Bishop’s Favorite Song

A Word of Thanks from the Wallace Family Realizing that God is SOVERIGN and that tomorrow is not ours to understand, and knowing that God never hurts needlessly and never wastes our pain, for every loss is followed by gain.

Today in our loss, our hurt and our pain we recognize our gain as you – Our family, friends and loved ones – we thank you for your flowers, your cards, your food contributions, and most of all your prayers. Every deed of kindness has been a source of comfort. We are eternally grateful. May God bless and keep you.

Pallbearers – Grandsons Teron Kendricks, Jr.

Terry Kendricks Jr.

Jacob Smith

Michael Bufka

DaVon Bettis

Nicholas Bufka

G. Zion Shakhan

Honorary Pallbearers Mike Smith

Ben Mobley Donald Steele

Internment – Glen Rest Memorial Estate Monday September 12th, 2016 8029 East Main Street Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Arrangements Entrusted to Diehl-Whittaker Funeral and Cremation Services 720 East Long Street Columbus, Ohio 43203 614. 258. 9549

Wilbur Berry