Carl “C. O.” Wallace, 69, entered his Heavenly Home to meet his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 16, 2016 the day before his 70th birthday.  He was born July 17, 1946 to Bob and Beulah (Williams) Wallace. 

C. O. was a member of Bethel Memorial Church, Gideon’s International and Masonic Lodge.  He served as a deacon for many years, taught Sunday School and was a former member of Francisco General Baptist Church. 

During his youth, he worked at the Francisco grocery store owned and operated by his mom and dad.  He graduated from Francisco High School in 1964.  After graduation, C.O. served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the Barry and the Mullinnix until July 1967 as a fire control technician achieving rank of second class.  Being only 17, his dad had to sign a consent form in order for him to serve.  After returning to the states, he began working for Southern Railway, later known as Norfolk Southern, and worked there until his retirement in July 2004.  He married Patsy Mahan, his wife of nearly 47 years, on August 23, 1969. C.O. loved singing and enjoyed being a part of the church choir.  He adored his children and grandchildren and participated in their various activities.  One of his favorite pastimes was sharing stories.  Family vacations were treasured memories.  He looked forward to breakfast at The Palace with the men of his church and could be found weekly at Dick Clark’s with Patsy. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Wallace; grandparents, Stancil and Bessie Williams, Carl and Ada Wallace; children, an infant daughter and son, John Andrew; niece, Pam Schmits.

To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years, Patsy (Mahan) Wallace, son and daughter-in-law, Aaron and Angela Wallace, daughter and son-in-law, Mindy and Nathan Schoonover; grandchildren, Albree and Ashton Wallace, Carly and Chloe Schoonover; his mother, Beulah Wallace; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon and Bob Schmits, Barb and Jeff McEllhiney; many nephews and nieces, including Jan (Schmits) Hunt who spent the daytime hours of her early years in their home and considered C.O. her other dad, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Kevin Wilson officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Colvin Funeral Home Monday, July 18, 2016.  Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Military graveside services by Retired Military Veterans.