Charles E. Wallace

Charles E. Wallace spent his entire life in service to others. He was born March 3, 1929 in Hughes Springs to Jim Wallace and Daisey (Black) Wallace and passed away June 5. He graduated from Hughes Springs High School and got a degree in chemistry and physics at Texas A & M Commerce. He was a veteran of two military branches, serving in the Navy during the end of WWII and joining the US Air Force after his college graduation as a 1st Lieutenant. Charles retired from Lone Star Steel Co. as a manager of Inspection and Quality Assurance.
Charles was involved in many church and civic organizations; Hughes Springs City Council, Director of the Hughes Springs Historical Cemetery, Lions Club, Wildflower Trails, Boy Scouts, Hughes Springs Volunteer Service, Hughes Springs School Board, Arden Hanes American Legion (and it’s Honor Guard), First United Methodist Church Board Chairman, Sunday School teacher, men’s breakfast creator, and many others.
He was a recipient of several service awards; District Legionnaire Award from the American Legion, Hughes Springs Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award for the city, Garden Club Crystal Globe Award, SWEPCO Contribution Awards, Humanitarian Award (for his ambulance service), the Masonic Lodge Command Builder’s Award, and the American Legion District Award for service to the community and the American Legion, as well as being chosen as the Lions International District Hall of Fame.
Charles Wallace is survived by his loving wife, of almost 65 years, Mary Elizabeth Pilgrim Wallace; and three children and their spouses, Karen and Randy Epps, Chuck and Toni Wallace, and Mary Ellen and Kent Thigpen, D.D.S.; his baby brother, Robert (RAB) Wallace. He leaves eight grandchildren, Chelsi Thigpen Jackson M.D., Allen Thigpen, Heather Wallace Foshee, Heath Wallace, Shane Head, Jason Head, and Adam Head; eleven great-grandchildren, Cheyne Brown, Cason Head, Kelsey Head, Reagan Head, Blake Head, Ryan Head, Brandon Head, Ali Head, Harper Foshee, Cash Jackson, and Tate Jackson.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Judy Wallace Gibson; brother, Wesley Wallace; and niece Connie Gibson.
Services were held at 4:00 p.m. on June 7 at First United Methodist Church in Hughes Springs. Burial followed at Hughes Springs Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.