Wallace Gene Grills

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Wallace (“Wally”) Gene Grills, 78, died in his home on April 18, 2020, with his wife Barbara Sue Cassidy Grills at his side along with many close family members.

Wallace was born to David Maxwell Grills and Gladys Arica Lemmons and grew up in Kingsport, TN with his siblings Shirley Sue Grills Falco and Douglas Michael (“Chip”) Grills.

Wallace retired from Eastman Kodak Company after 32 years. He served in various roles during his tenure with Eastman, including his final assignment as the Division ISO 9002 Auditor for the Organic Chemicals Division. Wallace was recognized as a Certified Quality Lead Auditor by Stebings & Associates, Certified State of Tennessee Quality Award Auditor, and Member of the American Society for Quality Control (ASQC).

After retiring from Eastman, Wallace joined Tele-Optics, Inc. and led their Quality and Continuous Improvement Division for 18 years, serving as the company’s Quality Assurance Manager and Chief Field Auditor. Wallace’s leadership and skill set enabled Tele-Optics to receive ISO 9002 Certification.

During his 50-year career with Eastman and Tele-Optics, Wallace volunteered for many exceptional organizations and institutions, including the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce as both a company representative and an Educational Council Board Member; Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee as a Board of Directors Member; the State of Tennessee as the Investment Board Chair; the Northeast Tennessee Work Force Development Board as the Board Chair, Planning Committee Member, and Quality Committee Member; the Dobyns-Bennett High School Technical/Vocational Advisory Committee Chairperson; an East Tennessee Education Board Member, and as a Member of the City of Kingsport’s Neighborhood Commission.

Most recently, Wallace turned his attention to volunteering for Central Baptist Church’s Food Bank, the church where he and wife Barbara were members. He never missed a Wednesday volunteering at the Food Bank. Wallace’s generous spirit was evident in this work as he often delivered food to those in need who had no transportation to the food bank.

He also had a part-time job with the City of Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation Division overseeing the Bordon Park Recreation Center. Wallace was recently recognized by Kitty Frazier, manager Parks and Recreation, for his contributions to the Bordon community with a commemorative plaque both inside the recreation center and on a park bench.

Wallace’s passion in life was learning and serving. For those that knew him, he was a giant of a man whose main goal was to love and care for others as his Heavenly Father loved and cared for him. His servant heart has changed many lives and made our entire community better because he chose to call Kingsport his home.

Surviving family members include his wife, Barbara; children: Carmella Stair, Kandy Childress, Brad Perry, and Joe Grills; grandchildren: Taylor Stair, Mitchell Allen, Maddie Allen, Taylor Grills, and Cooper Grills; a great grandchild: Adalyn Grills; many beloved sister- and brother-in-laws; cherished nieces and nephews; numerous close cousins; and lifelong friends.

A private family gathering is planned for April 22 at East Lawn with Pastors Frank Waldo and Billy Pearson officiating. Honorary pallbearers include Mitchell Allen, Chip Childress, Donald Davenport, Cooper Grills, Taylor Grills, Sam Mullins, Timothy Mullins, Chad Riggins, Brian Waldo, and Chris Wright.

In lieu of flowers, Wallace asked that contributions be made to the Central Baptist Food Bank, 301 Carver Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home at www.hamlettdobson.com.