Walter Lewis Wallace, born May 17, 1944, son of Maggie Lewis Wallace, passed away at home on January 1, 2023, at the age of 78.

Walt, as most called him, was born and raised in Mecklenburg County. The oldest of four children, he lost his mother at the tender age of 5. He was not only the big brother to his siblings, but their mentor and protector, which is a characteristic that he maintained throughout his life and extended to many others. It was clear that he understood what it meant to be "your brother's keeper" and the responsibility required of an engaged community member.

Walt was a lifelong member of Grier Heights Presbyterian Church. During his youth, he was active in Sunday School, becoming a group leader and youth spokesperson. As a young adult he was ordained a Deacon at the church. His roots to Grier Heights remained strong throughout his life; later becoming an Elder, Chairman of the Trustee Board, Sunday School Superintendent, member of the Men's Council, and lending his beautiful tenor voice to the church choir. Walt also had played on the winning Grier Heights Baseball Team, which was then managed by his cousin (also a lifelong church member), Henry F. "Lunchmeat" Wallace. Notably, the Grier Heights Presbyterian Women honored Walt as the 2003 Man of the Year.

Walt was not just a sports enthusiast, he was an athlete. In addition to being Senior Class President, Walt was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) during his senior year at Second Ward High School. His academic and athletic achievements earned him a 4-year football scholarship to Livingstone College, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1967. Significantly, it was also at Livingstone where he met his beloved wife of 53 years, Geraldine, whom he affectionately called Gerry.

Walt spent his working years as Sales Manager at General Tire Company, later moving on to the U.S. Postal Service where he retired in 2013. In addition to being active at Grier Heights, Walt remained passionate about football, his favorite team being the Carolina Panthers. Always eager to lend a hand when help was needed, Walt was generous with his time. Any reluctance to assist might only occur for activities on Sunday afternoons or Monday and Thursday nights during the NFL Season. After the Super Bowl, you knew you could count on Walt.

Walt was easygoing, with a quiet nature and gentle spirit. But those who knew him well did not mistake his manner for naiveté. Walt was extraordinarily observant. He was slow to interject his thoughts until he had made a clear and deliberate decision on a topic or issue. Never prone to over-react, it was this level of consistent steadiness that made Walt so easily likeable, an attentive listener and confidante, and amazingly resilient.

This resilience would be tested over the last several years and it served him well. Walt had a health scare in 2019, which required an estimated two month hospitalization where he coded twice during his stay. He required dialyses during this time, but after approximately eight weeks of treatment, it was no longer needed. Doctors said that they had never before seen a patient come off dialyses.  The circumstances leading up to this hospitalization and his subsequent recovery led physicians and staff to refer to him as "The Miracle Patient" during his follow-up visits. They, like all who knew him, had experienced Walt's strong and resolute spirit, which may have been more casually described as "stubborn" by Gerry.

Walt was not ready to slow down and insistent on maintaining his usual activities. In addition to church, those included his routine visits with his cousin and best friend Jerry Alexander, Thursday morning ritual with the Second Ward/West Charlotte Breakfast Club and the 18-year tradition of vacationing at Sunset Beach with the three other couples who complemented this annual retreat. He was committed to living life fully, remaining in the game until the final whistle, giving his all until the clock ticked down to zero. A true team player, Walt was devoted to his wife, family, church, and his community. He will forever be remembered as the MVP, the undeniable G-O-A-T (Greatest of All Time) to all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Walter L. Wallace was preceded in death by his mother, Maggie Lewis Wallace; brother Andrew Wallace; and son, Walter L. Wallace, II (Brodie). He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Geraldine Coleman Wallace; brother, Andy Wallace (Nancy); sister, Shirley Wallace (Robert),; his nieces and nephews; and host of other cousins, family, and friends.