Martin Gary Wallace, Jr.

Details:

Passed: Thursday, December 13, 2012
Funeral: Monday, December 17, 2012

Age: 92
Location: Greer, SC
Veteran

Martin Gary Wallace Jr., age 92, passed away on December 13, 2012 at Greer Memorial Hospital. He was born in the Shiloh Community in Dials Township, and moved to Laurens, South Carolina at a young age.

He was a graduate of Laurens High School and received his BS degree in Textile Management from Clemson University. He also attended the Philadelphia Textile Institute where he was a member of the Alpha Chapter of Phi Psi Fraternity.

Mr. Wallace was a member of the Laurens County Historical Society, the Museum Association, the Sons of Confederate Veterans and The National Trust for Historic Preservation.

A long-time member of Memorial United Methodist Church, he served on the Administrative Board, was a charter member of the Methodist Men?s Club, served as Sunday School Superintendent and as a teacher of the Ballenger-Duncan Men?s class. He also served on the board of the Greenville County Planning Commission and the Greer Auditorium.

He spent thirty-five years in various managerial positions with Milliken and Co., and J.P. Stevens & Co., Inc. He also served as an instructor in the Engineering division of Tri-County Technical College for 15 years and was a textile consultant with the Ralph E. Loper Company, the Office of Professional Development at Clemson University, Riegel Company and Cannon and Jackson Mills.

During World War II Mr. Wallace held the rank of Captain with the Eighth Air Force stationed in England. He participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Battle of the Bulge, and Rhineland campaigns during the allied invasion of Europe. He flew 30 lead B-17 combat missions attacking strategic targets and providing bombing support.

For extraordinary service in support of General George Patton?s third army, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters.

Mr. Wallace was a member of the B.B. Parks Greenville County Chapter of the Reserve Officers and a life member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States.

He was a member of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, the Mighty Eighth Heritage Museum in Savannah and a founding member of the America Air Museum At Buford Air Field near Cambridge, England. He was also a member of the 305th Bomb Group Memorial Association whose members meet each year in a different city.

The 305th was memorialized in the city of Chelveston, England with a plaque placed in the bell tower wall of a 700-year-old parish church in honor of the sacrifices of the men of the 305th. Over 780 men died, and 900 served as prisoners of war.

Additionally, a small bronze replica of a B-17 has been placed on the honor court in the sculpture garden of the US Air Force Academy commemorating 480 combat missions flown by the group.

Surviving:

He is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Sara Frances Wallace of Greer, S.C. He is survived by three daughters: Lynne Mitchell (Dana) of Greenville, S.C.; Marcia Deatcher of Greenville, S. C.; Libby Wallace (Mike Keeshen) of Greenville, S. C.; and son: Martin Gary Wallace, III (Beth) of Greenville, S.C.

He is also survived by eight beloved grandchildren: Joseph Scott Deatcher (Jamie) of Hickory N.C.; Sara Lauren Orders (Jay) of Greenville, S.C.; Sara Wallace-Keeshen of Washington, D.C.; Amelia Wallace of Greenville, S.C.; Beth Galliani (Michael) of Evanston, Ill.; Ellen Mitchell of Columbia, S.C.; Rita Mitchell of London, England, Dana Mitchell, IV of Charleston, S.C., and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services:

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 17, 2012, at 11:00 am at Memorial United Methodist Church in Greer, S.C. conducted by Rev. Joseph Curtis and Rev. John Rush.

The family will be receiving friends prior to the service from 9:45 ? 10:45 in the social hall adjacent to the church.

Burial services will follow at Westview Memorial Park, 5740 Highway 76 W. Laurens, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ballenger-Duncan Men?s Sunday School Class, or Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 North Main Street, Greer, SC or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Wood Mortuary

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