IN MEMORIAM

GERALD "JERRY" WALLACE

9.13.42 - 9.24.16

 

     Gerald D. "Jerry" Wallace was special--one of the nicest, most helpful gentlemen who walked this Earth. No better barista (coffee server) could be found anywhere! He and his wife, Judy, were loyal volunteers in the Common Cup Coffee Shop at Collierville (TN) United Methodist Church. The bluegrass music community enjoyed his coffee and their company every Friday night all winter long at the weekly indoor bluegrass music jam. Jerry and Judy  enjoyed being a part of the Friday night music scene. We are grateful for their love and assistance. Adjectives about his sterling qualities could flow for days, for he had so many. We shall let his Commercial Appeal obituary fill in the details about this amazing man.

     "Gerald D. Wallace, Sr. 'Jerry' died peacefully Saturday evening, September 24, 2016, in the loving presence of his family. Born to Ray and Mary Mildred Wallace (deceased) on September 13, 1942 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jerry lived with his family in several states including western Kentucky, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Tennessee. Jerry graduated from Central High School in Nashville, TN, and attended Peabody College and the University of Tennessee. After honorable service in the Air Force, he began a long and rewarding career with Aeroquip Corporation, a division of Eaton Corporation, winning many accolades and awards for his expertise in sales and hydraulics. Jerry loved music and sang in the church choir, played the violin and the Sousaphone. He loved to golf and to fly--he earned the ratings of private instrument, multi-engine, and commercial licenses. Active in his community post retirement in 2000, he taught ESL for the literacy council, volunteered for his church and was active in his Masonic Lodge #152 and served as W.M. in 2006-2007, the Scottish Rite, and the Al Chymia Shrine.

     "Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judith Henson Wallace, 'Judy,' and their three children: G. David Wallace (Amy) of Thompson's Station, TN; Dr. Jeff Wallace (Jeanette) of Memphis; and Michelle Shannon (Bill) of The Woodlands, TX. He loved and adored children, especially his five grandchildren: Ryan and Nathan Wallace, Grace and Noah Shannon, and Molly Wallace.

    "Memorials may be made to the Agape Class Mission projects at Collierville United Methodist Church, 454 W. Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN 38017 or The Autism Resources of the Midsouth, ARMS, P.O. Box 341041, Memphis, TN 38184."

     Collierville Funeral Home had charge of the service on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. It is located at 534 West Poplar Ave.

     Two of Jerry's favorite songs welcomed us into visitation in the sanctuary of the Collierville United Methodist Church: "Faded Love" and "Peace in the Valley".

     Farewell, dear Jerry! We shall meet again just beyond the sunset.