Wayne was born December 7, 1938, in Hunt County to Woodrow ''Woody'' Wilson Wallace and Anna ''Kathleen'' Brown Wallace in Greenville, TX. Wayne began working at the early age of 9 delivering groceries in Greenville on his bicycle. Following graduation from Greenville High School, Wayne worked his way up from the ground floor at Henson Kickernick eventually becoming President of the company. Wayne attended East Texas State College, earning both a bachelor's degree and an MBA. Following his career with Henson Kickernick, Wayne worked for the Sara Lee Corporation as a manager of manufacturing systems in several locations in North and Central America.
Wayne married Lil Bustamonte Wallace in 2002. Wayne had three beloved children with his first marriage to Carolyn Henson Norman. Wayne is predeceased by his parents, his brother Don, and his daughter Debbie Wallace Cleveland. He is survived by his wife, his daughter Melinda Wallace (husband John Slaughter), and son Rodney Wallace. Wayne was a loving grandfather who will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Courtney Cleveland, Allison Cleveland, Ross Cleveland, Matthew Marcellin, Austin Wayne Slaughter, Jacob Slaughter, and six great-grandchildren.
Services are pending; in lieu of flowers Wayne's friends and family are encouraged to plant a tree or make a donation in his honor to the Texas A&M Forest Service TreeCovery Program (http://treecovery.tamu.edu/donate.html). In whatever way you decide to honor him, please take a moment, listen to a Hank Williams song, and remember Wayne's love of life and of telling a good story.
Condolences(7)
Jean Ann Olds
Denver, CO Tuesday, April 23, 2024 My father Jack Olds and Wayne were the best of friends. Wayne delivered a lovely eulogy at my father's funeral in March 1992. They worked together at Henson Kickernick and stayed friends after my father moved on to Williamson Printing and then retired. Wayne was a dear person and a good friend of our family while living in Greenville. I have fond memories of him and look forward to them (my father and Wayne) getting to get together in heaven. What a reunion that will be!Ron Ablowich
Durham, NH Friday, March 8, 2024 Wayne and I were classmates from Junior High thru High School, and I knew Wayne in Grammar School thru sports. He was a nice, quiet and humble human. We will all miss him.Ron Ablowich
Jim and Elena Hardaway
Greenville, TX Thursday, March 7, 2024 Our deepest condolences and sympathy to the Wallace family.Jim and Elena Hardaway
Greenville, TX Thursday, March 7, 2024 Our deepest condolences and sympathy to the Wallace family.Joe Phillips
Fairview, TX Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Willard Wayne and I go back to early days at Lamar School. Not a finer fellow or friend have I met in all these years. A class act and a humble man. I'm listening to Hank Williams along with Glenn Campbell and Roy Clark "Yesterday" Joe PhillipsJanie Barnhardt
Houston, TX Tuesday, March 5, 2024 I met Wayne through Don. My husband, Charles Barnhardt was Don's friend from 7th grade until Don's death.Carolyn (Simmons) Pickle
GREENVILLE, TX Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Wayne and I have been friends since first grade at Houston School in Greenville. Friends all through school. He was a dear friend and I thought the world of Wayne. May God comfort you in his death.