Major Donald L. Wallace

May 31, 1929 - January 20, 2017

Major Donald L. Wallace, age 87, of Trenton, GA, gained victory over death on Friday January 20, 2017. He joined the U.S. Merchant Marine during WWII at the age of 14 by falsifying his birthdate. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1947 and was commissioned as an Officer. He served as an Intelligence officer, Psychological Warfare Officer, and a Special Forces Commander before retiring in 1967. Major Wallace was a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and served in other periods of conflict. Despite his more numerous years of Army service, he always maintained a strong affinity in his heart for the Merchant Marine. He was a member of the American Legion Post 106, member of Piney Grove Baptist Church, and more recently attended Edgewood Baptist Church. He attained a degree in Education from the University of Nebraska and a degree in Social Counseling from the University of West Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents Russel and Dorothy Wallace, five sisters, and granddaughter Aislynn Watkins. Survivors include his wife of 38 years Mary “Ginny” Wallace of Trenton, GA; son Joshua Wallace of Huntsville, AL; daughter Faith (Cliff) Watkins of Trenton, GA; grandchildren Adelynn, Lydia and Amylia Watkins; 5 children from his early life that he regrettably had no contact with due to acknowledged mistakes though they remained in his thoughts and prayers; brother David Wallace; sister Paula Pokladnik; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday January 25, 2017 at Piney Grove Baptist Church with Rev. John Smith and Rev. Jim Lilley officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will be held Wednesday at 2:30 pm at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Family will receive friends 4 PM until 8 PM Tuesday at Ryan Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at Piney Grove Baptist Church. Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home Trenton GA.