Obituary of Robert Wallace

Reverend Dr. Robert Martin Wallace, Jr. died peacefully at home on October 26, 2021, at the age of 78. He was the first-born son of Robert M. Wallace, Sr., and Virginia Byrum Wallace. Dr. Wallace was raised in Huntersville and attended North Mecklenburg High School. There he met his sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Evelyn “Sissy” Wells. They were married on July 20, 1963, and were by one another’s side until her death on September 25, 2013.

Bob married Donna-Rae Henry on June 17, 2017, in Hilton Head, SC. They shared a beautiful home together in Bluffton, SC. The last chapter of his life with Miss Donna was filled with love, travel, dancing, and culinary adventures until his sudden passing last week.

Bob earned his BS Degree from Erskine College in 1965, received his Bachelor of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in 1968, and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia The-ological Seminary in 1981.

In 1971 Dr. Bob founded Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and ministered there until 2004. He then became minister at Cocoa Presbyterian Church in Cocoa, FL, and remained there until retiring in 2011. He served on the board of directors for Bonclarken Assembly Grounds, ARP Retirement Homes, the Charlotte Choral Society, and Erskine College and Seminary.

Dr. Bob’s proudest achievement was the founding and management of The New Vibrations youth choir. For thirty years, the choir presented concerts throughout the eastern United States and Canada. He truly enjoyed mentoring the young people who were members of the group.

He was known as “Dr. Bob” to the members of his youth group, as “Bob-Bob” to his four grand-children and five step-grandchildren, and “Dad” to his three sons.

Words cannot adequately express the love we all have for this man. He always seemed to know what to say to pick you up when you were down, gave thoughtful and well-considered advice, and provided support when it was needed the most. He will live in our hearts and our memories forever.

Dr. Robert Martin Wallace, Jr. is survived by his wife, Donna-Rae Wallace; by his three sons and their families: Robert (Mari and Carter) Wallace, Brian E. Wallace (Aneta Krawczyk), and Brandon(Melissa, Abbey, Noah & Jude) Wallace; by his brother David Wallace (Christine) and sister Alma Hunter (TR) along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Sissy Wallace.

There will be two Memorial Services honoring the life of Dr. Wallace: Saturday, November 6th at 2:00pm at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, 10 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910; and Saturday, November 13 at 3:00pm at James Funeral Home at 10520 Arahova Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078.