Obituary of Merrill-Donald Wallace

Merrill Donald Wallace, born to John Merrill Wallace and Hollie Edith Robinson Wallace on Dec. 15, 1932, in White County, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011. Don grew up with four brothers and four sisters and graduated from Sparta High School in 1950. He played varsity basketball and excelled at all sports and was an avid golfer. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Wallace was employed by and retired from ITT Grinnell and Service Concepts of Puerto Rico. After retirement, Mr. Wallace enjoyed selling cars at Grissom Honda and playing golf.Mr. Wallace is survived by wife, Barbara Free Wallace, Glencoe; sons, Michael Lynn (Diane), Dunwoody, Ga., Mitchell Lane (Kelley) Woodstock, Ga.; stepdaughter, Angie Free (Charles) Marshall, Dothan; four grandchildren, Benjamin Cooper Wallace, Page C. Wallace, Thomas Patrick Wallace, all of Georgia, Charles Edward Marshall, Dothan; sisters, Robbie Ann Wallace Walker and husband Denny Earl, Doris Ruth Wallace Jackson; brother, Howard P. Wallace, all of Sparta, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.Mr. Wallace was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, David Leon, Billy Ray and Fred Arnold; sisters, Nelda Jo Jackson, Margaret Louise Wallace.Mr. Wallace was a stroke victim of more than six years. He had great care through many special people. Our heartfelt thanks to each of them.His honorary pallbearers will be friends, David Martin, Dennis Scott, Nolan Ingram, Bart Scott, all of Glencoe, Wayne Phillip and Bobby Grissom, Newell Cash, Dennis Palardy, Dr. Webb Sledge, all of Gadsden, Bill Jones, Cincinnati, Ohio, Frank Rusk, Larry Kebble, Birmingham, Chris Warren, Coach Ed Nobles, Jerry Harper, Wayne Tate, Louis Bell and Buddy Bell, all of Chattanooga, Tenn., Walter Pettie, Quebic, Tenn., and W.L. Davis, Gray, Ga.The family request that no live flowers be sent, but will accept plants or artificial arrangements or you may give to your favorite charity.The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. There will also be a memorial and military service interment with full military honors to be announced at a later date. Village Chapel Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.