Obituary

Dr. Willie Robert "Bob" Wallace

December 5, 1938 - June 22, 2021

Dr. Willie Robert "Bob" Wallace, age 82, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a resident of Franklinton passed away on Tuesday June 22, 2021 at his home. Bob was a 1956 graduate of Franklinton High School and later obtained his Bachelors of Science Degree from Southeastern Louisiana College in 1961. He then completed the dairy manufacturing graduate program in the LSU Department of Dairy Science. After obtaining his M.S. degree in 1962 and Ph.D. in 1963, he was an assistant professor in the LSU Department of Dairy Science. Bob also served as an assistant professor of Microbiology at Northwestern State University and associate professor of Biological Sciences at Southeastern Louisiana University. He later joined the private business sector, becoming the General Manager of Gulf Dairy, Inc. in Kentwood. From there he moved to Kansas City as a Corporate Vice-President with Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. Upon retirement, Bob moved back to Franklinton and was an active member of First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, choir member, and Fellowship Sunday School Class teacher for many years. Bob enjoyed playing golf, hunting, and making handmade writing pens in his shop. He also enjoyed going out to eat around town with his family. His college sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Janice Wallace, was the love of his life along with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survived by: Wife of 61 years: Janice Pevey Wallace of Franklinton; Son and Daughter-in-law: Robert Duff Wallace and Terri Wallace of Madison, Mississippi; Daughter and Son-in-law: Tina Stafford and Norman J. “Jimmy” Stafford of Franklinton; Grandchildren and Spouses: David and Jasmine Stafford of Crowville, LA, Brandon and McKaila Stafford of Ponchatoula, LA, Spencer Wallace of Madison, MS; Great-grandchildren: Annabelle Grace Stafford and Emma Claire Stafford; Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law: Rick and Maryann Pevey of Baton Rouge; Nephew and Nieces: Casey Pevey, Ashley Pevey both of California, JoBeth and Michael Valentino of Enon, Denise Gatewood Ulmer and Dan Ulmer of Franklinton; Also survived by many great-nephews and great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents Millard Wallace and Mary Bond Wallace, father in law and mother-in-law Frederick and Margaret Pevey, sister and brother in law Betty Jo and Aubrey Gatewood and nephew Kenny Gatewood.

Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Franklinton (903 Cleveland Street, Franklinton) on Friday, June 25th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 am Friday with Rev. Cody Warren and Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunlight Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to First Baptist Church of Franklinton (950 Self Street, Franklinton) or the Gideons International Bogalusa/Franklinton Camp (P.O. Box 871, Bogalusa, LA 70427).

Pallbearers: David Stafford, Brandon Stafford, Spencer Wallace, Keith Casanova, Karl Casanova, Kirk Casanova

Honorary Pallbearers are the members of his Fellowship Sunday School Class: Thomas Arthur, Carey Bateman, Warren Cooke, William Jenkins, Marvin Magee, Randy Magee, Richard Morgan, Dick Parish, James Penny, Darryl Rester, Carley Stokes