WALLACE

Gary Eugene Wallace, Sr, “G-Dub,” 83, of Sparta,IL, born on March 21, 1940, the son of Albert Eugene and Mariel (Lewis) Wallace; passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL, after a hard fought battle with medical issues in recent years.  He remained true to his character, never to complain of his lot in life, but instead, faced life challenges surrounded with love and support from family and close friends.

Gary was part of the last graduating class of 1958 from Vernon School in Sparta, IL, the county’s only segregated school. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, stationed in San Diego, CA.  After successfully completing basic training, Gary received a Honorable Discharge when his father drowned in a fishing accident, leaving his mother to care for his nine younger siblings all alone.  Gary returned home and began working at the World Color Press Printing Company as a Tow Motor Driver.  In 1963 he married the love of his life, the late Jazan Winona Horton.  From their union, nine children were born. Gary joined the United States Post Office in 1969, taking great pride in walking several miles/day, rain or shine, greeting the community.  In 1980, tragedy struck:  His wife Jazan died suddenly and 4 short months later, the family home burned to the ground.  Gary kept 8 of his 10 children together, raising them into adulthood, with the help of family and community.  His love and dedication to family is unparalleled. 

Gary retired from the USPS in January 1999.  He enjoyed listening to music, playing the guitar, riding his bicycle, and shooting pool. He was one with nature, spending a great amount of his retirement outdoors, surrounded by family and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife – Jazan Winona (Horton) Wallace; parents; son – Kenneth Drew Wallace; great grandchild – Naeem Jae Malone; siblings – Renona Wallace, Larry “Beech” Wallace, Marva Hickerson, and Mavis Buchanan; niece – Courtney Wallace; nephew – Keylin Wallace; father-in-law – David St. James; brothers-in-law – John Walker and Warren Kenny Horton.

He is survived by nine children – Stuart Wallace of Sparta, IL, Stephanie (Juan) McKissic of St. Louis, MO, Candace (Marvin) Monroe of Belleville, IL; Shelli Wallace of Sparta, IL, Matthew (Jessica) Wallace of Sparta, IL, Norman Wallace of Fayetteville, NC, and Cari Wallace of New York City, NY, Leslie Jae (Johnnie) Stiff of East St. Louis, IL, and Gary (Fredericka) Wallce, Jr. of Sparta, IL; twenty-one grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; four sisters – Gena (Burney) Hall of Buchannan, MI, Ramona Wallace of Sparta, IL, Nadine Walker of Sparta, IL, and Jacqueline Wallace of Sparta, IL; one brother – Michael (Frances) Wallace of Sparta, IL; mother-in-law – Carrie St. James; sisters-in-law – Bonita Dickerson, Kathy St. James, Juliane Cross; brothers-in-law – David Jeffrey St. James and Ed Buchanan; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.heilschuessler.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to 1st Freewill Baptist Church of Sparta.

The visitation for Mr. Wallace will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at First Freewill Baptist Church in Sparta, IL from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Funeral services will begin at 12:00 noon with Rev. Henry Thomas Goodwin officiating.  Committal Services will take place at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, IL.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Mick Bernasek says:

   09/15/2023 at 1:13 pm

   Gary was a valued employee at the USPO and always friendly to me and others around him. Prayers during this time

   Reply
2. Srividya says:

   09/08/2023 at 2:28 pm

   Very sorry for your loss Norman . Sending prayers to your family.

   Reply
   • Linda Boston says:

     09/17/2023 at 1:16 pm

     To the Wallace family: Gary was a loving, kind, caring and wonderful friend. Always was smiling and being nice to everyone he came in contact with. Been friends with him for a long time. You will be missed by Everyone who knew and loved you. Gone, but never forgotten. 💔
     Sincerely,
     Linda Boston
     Quincy, IL

     Reply
3. Stacey Gibson says:

   09/07/2023 at 4:53 pm

   My deepest condolences go to the family of Gary. Hugs and prayers for you all. Fly high Gary!

   Reply
4. Leslie J Wallace Stiff says:

   09/06/2023 at 12:46 pm

   Thank you Mr Sinn. GOD Bless You Me We.

   Reply
5. Lela Neisler says:

   09/06/2023 at 12:06 am

   My sympathy to the family. Marva and Mavis Wallace were wonderful members of our SHS Class of ’67 and they are truly missed.

   Reply
   • Connie Alexander says:

     09/06/2023 at 1:27 pm

     Rest in Paradise Gary. You were definitely a one of a kind, and super great guy. Fly high my friend, no longer in pain, and reunited with the love of your life.
     My thoughts and prayers are with Gary’s family and friends. God bless and comfort you. 🙏🏼

     Reply