Manassas GA William Thomas (Tommy) Wallace, Jr., age 73, passed away on Wednesday September 5, 2018 at his home after an extended illness. To say that Tommy lived a life of selfless service to his community, state, and nation would be an understatement. He began his career of service to the State with the Department of Correction in 1964.
During his career he rose through the ranks, beginning as a corrections officer and ultimately retiring as a regional director with multiple prisons under his charge and with the special honor of receiving the Golden Parachute to the Governor award. After his retirement, he did not sit idle; beginning his second career with the probation division. Additionally, he served as Chief Inspector for the Tattnall County Code Enforcement Office, a reserve deputy with the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office, a member of the Tattnall County Tax Equalization Board, and past president of the State Prison Wardens Association.
Tommy’s service to State and Nation did not end with his full-time job. One of his best acts of service was as the member of the Tattnall County Board of Elections, where he was charged to ensure that our civic right to vote was carried out lawfully and freely for many years. In his other acts of civic service; he was a founding member of the Historical Committee.
This love of history helped lead him to establish the annual “Battle of Manassas” in 2000. He served as Colonel of the Artillery for 10 years at the annual Battle of Manassas. Tommy is fondly remembered by many reenactors from across the nation for his attention to detail and commitment to the preservation of historical accuracy.
This mindful dedication to detail was evident when the National Civil War Artillery Association named him the Regional Inspector and Training officer in 2002. Tommy was a Mason for over 41 years, most recently serving as Treasurer of the Ezel Lodge and a dual member of the Rising Sun Lodge. He was also a member of the Son’s of Confederate Veterans Camp 147.
No matter how full his schedule was, he always carved out time for his love of the outdoors. Tommy’s favorite pastime activities included hunting and fishing, but also raising animals on his farm. He cared for goats, hogs, and horses at one point pursuing his hobby!
In 2012, he decided he and his wife had to much free time on their hands and he decided to buy a saw mill. The pair would spend countless hours hewing timbers from across the county; ultimately producing some of the finest rough-cut lumber a builder could desire. His years were lived in service to others, and as such, his passing surely will leave a void that will be impossible to fill.
He is preceded in death by his parents W.T Wallace, Sr. (Sue) and a sister, Ann Wallace Hebert. Left to carry on the memories of a life made together are his wife of over 42 years, Elaine Wood Wallace of Manassas; daughters, Cindy Wallace (John) Key of Kathleen, Ga, Mondie Wallace (Mike) Gagliardo of Claxton, Ga, Paige Wallace (Ashley) Sikes of Hagan; sons, Roy C. (Erika) Wallace of Jacksonville, FL and Scott (Jincy) Wallace of Reidsville; ten grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 8, 2018 with the funeral service to follow at 2:00pm at the Reidsville Baptist Church.
Interment will be in the Reidsville City Cemetery with honors rendered by the Georgia Artillery Battalion and the Georgia Volunteer Battalion. Pallbearers will be Ricky McGlashan, Keith Blaxton, Hank Sikes, Tyler Wallace, Gregory Ellerbee, Greyson Gagliardo, and Pace Gagliardo. Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Wallace family.
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