Merrill Wallace

GLENCOE Merrill Donald Wallace,passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011.He was born to John Merrill Wallace and Ollie Edith Robinson Wallace on Dec. 15, 1932, in Sparta, Tenn. 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.He served in the U.S. Army as a Tank Commander and was stationed at Fort Knox, Ky.Don was employed by and retired from ITT Grinnell and Service Concepts of Puerto Rico.Don was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, David, Bill and Freddy; sisters, Nelda Jackson, and Margaret.He is survived by wife, Barbara Free Wallace, Glencoe; Michael (Diane), Dunwoody, Ga., Mitchell (Kelley) Woodstock, Ga.; sons of, Bettye Webb Wallace McDonald; stepdaughter, Angie Free (Charles) Marshall, Dothan; four grandchildren, Benjamin Cooper Wallace, Page Marie Wallace, Thomas Patrick Wallace, all of Georgia, Charles Edward Marshall, Dothan; sisters, Ann Wallace Walker and husband, Denny, Doris Ruth Wallace Jackson; brother, Howard Wallace, all of Sparta, Tenn..Don was a stroke victim of more than six years. He received great care through many special people. Our heartfelt thanks to each of them.The family request that no flowers be sent, but cards to the family would be appreciated.Dad was truly loved by his family and everyone who knew him. Dad raised a family, was a successful businessman and will be missed by all.There will be a memorial and interment with full military honors at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Bailey Avenue.