Eckel Eugene "Gene" Wallace

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 

Timothy 2:7-8

Eckel Eugene “Gene” Wallace of Fall Branch, crossed the finish line to eternity in the presence of his loving family on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Gene would have celebrated his 97^th birthday on July 11^th.

Born July 11, 1922, Gene grew up in Church Hill where he enjoyed playing basketball for Church Hill High School, he had resided in Fall Branch most of his adult life.

He was a World War II veteran, serving in the US Army as a medic in Hawaii and Japan. He retired from Eastman Kodak Company with over 42 years of service, having worked in the sheet metal shop and later in Engineering Estimating and Records.  Upon retirement, Gene enjoyed making beautiful furniture and craft items in his workshop and sharing those treasures with friends and family.

A long-time member of First Baptist Church Fall Branch, Gene served as deacon, Music Director, Sunday School Director and teacher.  He was a strong man of faith and knew where his strength came from; his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Gene was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Wallace Napolitano; parents, Adam and Annie Wallace; brothers, George, Clarence, Marshall, and John A; sisters, Eula Harris and Gertrude Wolfe; and foster brother, Richard Sensabaugh.

He leaves fond memories to be cherished by his loving wife of over seventy years, Anna Lucille Sells Wallace; son, Larry (Carol) Wallace; six grandchildren, Jonathan Wallace, Kala Wallace, Lauren (Charlie) Moore, Max Napolitano, Paige Napolitano, and Adam (Cassie) Napolitano; three great-grandchildren, Gaige Wallace, Aiden Napolitano and August Moore; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Fall Branch and at any time at the Wallace home.  The funeral service will follow at 12:30 pm with Reverend Carl Strickler officiating and the eulogy by his son, Larry.  Interment will follow the service at First Baptist Church Cemetery.  Military Rites will be conducted by American Legion Posts 3/265.  Pallbearers honored to serve are family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to First Baptist Church Cemetery Fund and mailed to Kathie Depew, 130 Dogwood Drive, Fall Branch, TN 37656.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Amedysis Home Health for their care and support in his final days.