WALTERBORO: John Robert Wallace passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, January 6, 2024 at the Trident Medical Center in Charleston after a brief illness, at the age of 84.
John was born March 24, 1939 in Princeton, Indiana a son of the late Robert Floyd Wallace and Marjorie Eloise Steel Wallace. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1961 and entered active duty as an Ensign, before the Coast Guard sent him to the University of Illinois, where he earned his engineering degree. For the next twenty years he served his country faithfully, rising through the ranks, before eventually retiring as a Captain. During his career, he saw combat in the Vietnam War, and received many awards and citations to include the following: The Meritorious Service Medal, The Coast Guard Commendation Medal with Gold Star, the Amy Commendation Medal, The Coast Guard Achievement Medal, The National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. John was extremely proud of his military service, and throughout his life he dedicated countless hours in support of veterans and their needs. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
John spent his civilian career serving as a county administrator in various places including Amelia, Virginia. He was an active member of the Clan Wallace Society, a heritage group that promoted the history of Scotland and its famous martyr, Robert Wallace. John was knighted in three countries, and also by the Knights Templar, and thus was known as Sir John Wallace. Many of his friends lovingly called him “Sir John”.
John was well-known throughout Walterboro and Colleton County. He possessed a caring and outgoing personality, and his witty stories and contagious laugh will be remembered by all that knew him. He was a member of the Walterboro Elks Lodge #1988 and the Harley Owners Group.
John is survived by his daughter, Kristine Wallace McGlade, and by his son, Mark K. Wallace. He has two grandchildren, Aidan and Sophie McGlade, as well as a sister, Betty Jean Wallace. He was preceded in death by his siblings Richard S. Wallace and Laura Wallace Burger. John leaves behind a countless host of friends and acquaintances that will miss him deeply, but will perpetuate his memory through stories that will be shared for years to come.
Funeral services, with full military honors, will be held Tuesday afternoon, January 16, 2024 at 2:00 at the Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC. A local celebration of John’s life will be held Sunday afternoon, January 14, 2024 at 3:00 at the home of Mary and Todd Cummings, 746 Palmgreen Lane in Walterboro. In lieu of flowers, it was John’s request that memorials me made in his memory to The Wounded Warrior Project, or to the Disabled American Veterans. Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro is in charge of arrangements.
