William Warren Wallace, Jr., of Cherryville, NC, finally got to see Jesus face-to-face on April 8, 2024.

He was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and others who called to speak with him just hours before he left. He was the oldest child of William Warren Wallace, Sr. and Clara Delle Beam Wallace, both of Cherryville. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dianne Vandiver Wallace.

Known as Bill, Daddy, Daddy Bill, and sometimes, Preacher, he was a valued member of his family and community. The oldest of 4 children, he is survived by Ronald C. Wallace, Robert L. Wallace, Sr., and Susan W. & (Neal) Atkinson. He loved working with his brothers on the farm until his health would no longer allow it.

Bill grew up in Cherryville and had lots of friends. He enjoyed school and maintained several relationships, especially Danny Eaker. He enjoyed sports and people. He went to Southern Wesleyan University and Columbia Bible Seminary and became a pastor in the Wesleyan denomination. He served in that capacity for several years and loved that role. His favorite part was loving and serving the people God put in his care. He has maintained those relationships throughout his life! He and his family returned to Cherryville in 1982, where he and Dianne resided until his home-going.

Bill was known for his love of God, of the Bible, of his family, his friends, his country, and of gardening. He didn't do anything half-way. If he put himself to the task, he was "all in." If you knew him well, lived nearby or went to church with him, you probably received produce from his garden.

Daddy Bill, as his family called him, is survived by his 5 daughters, Cindy & (Robby) Clark, Wendi & (Carl) Beam, Nancy & (Ben) Pierce, Dede & (Tony) Adams, Machelle Thomas, 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a large extended family, and those he and Dianne "adopted."

Bill was raised in Christenbury Memorial Church, with his grandparents, Henry Lee and Odelle Beam as founding members. The church's name was later changed to First Wesleyan Church, Cherryville, NC. When he, Dianne and their girls returned in 1982, they made First Wesleyan their home again. He served in a variety of capacities at the church for over 40 years.

The family would like to particularly thank those who have made this journey through vascular dementia easier for daddy and all of us: Olga Holman, caregiver; Life Enrichment Center-Kings Mountain; King's Mountain Care Center; CaroMont Regional Medical Center-especially the nurses and CNAs; and Hospice of Cleveland County.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 PM on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at First Wesleyan Church of Cherryville, NC, with Pastor Mark Poe and Rev. Ken Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 - 12:15 PM prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Mary's Grove Community Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Wesleyan Church of Cherryville - 800 N Pink St, Cherryville, NC 28021 or to Hospice of Cleveland County - 951 Wendover Heights Dr, Shelby, NC 28150.