Rufus Lewis Wallace

rufus wallace

June 14, 1932 ~ September 20, 2025

Rufus Lewis Wallace, 93, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Peak Resource – Pinelake, surrounded by his family. 

A native of Moore County, he was a son of the late Quimby Lewis and Annie Savannah Barber Wallace.  Rufus left high school to help his family.  He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.  Upon returning home he began a career in textiles that spanned over 50 years working in Greensboro, in Carthage at Carthage Fabrics, and then Robbins at Carolina Lace where worked until the plant closed.  Rufus then began a career serving the public at Kennedy Funeral Home for over 21 years.  He was a proud veteran, a devoted husband, father, grandfather,  great-grandfather and uncle, whose quiet strength left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. A man of deep faith and unwavering dedication, he lived his life with humility, integrity, and love for his family. Though he spoke little, his actions spoke volumes, always ready to lend a hand, offer a kind smile, or work tirelessly to provide for those he loved. His gentle spirit, strong work ethic, and deep devotion to God made him a steady presence and a source of comfort to many. All who met him felt the warmth of his heart, and his legacy of love and faith will live on through the generations he helped shape. 

To know him, was to love him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Doris; an infant son: Rufus Lewis Wallace II; sisters: Muriel Troxler, Pauline Marley; brothers: Paul Wallace, Lester Wallace. 

He is survived by: daughters. Rita Wallace, Janet Ritter and husband Roger; grandchildren: Jana Hurdt and husband Scott, Taylor Ritter; great grandchildren: Darcy, Judd; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be 2 PM, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Flint Hill Baptist Church, where he was a member, with Reverend Zach Garner and Dr. John Williamson officiating.  Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Kennedy Funeral Home and at other times at the home of his daughter Janet.

Kennedy Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wallace family. 

Condolences: PinesFunerals.com

Services

Visitation: September 23, 2025 6:00 pm - September 30, 2025 8:00 pm

Kennedy Funeral Home
241 N Middleton Street
Robbins, NC 27325

910-948-2221

Funeral Service: September 24, 2025 2:00 pm

Flint Hill Baptist Church
923 Flint Hill Church Road
Robbins, NC 27325


An image showing the branch of service for Army

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My heart hurts for you both, Janet and Rita, as I know how you are feeling. My prayers are for you and your families today. You had a very special Daddy! He was such a sweet and humble man, much like my own Daddy and he reminded me of Daddy. When Daddy and I would go to visit families at the funeral home, he and Rufus would always have conversation. I still see him at the door as he greeted people. I am sure Daddy greeted him as he came into the gates of Heaven! Hugs and Love!

    • I am so sorry for Rita and Janet with their loss. My prayers for you and your families that God will comfort all of you now and in the coming days . Mr. Rufus was a wonderful man. He will be missed by many. My sincere condolences.

  2. I am so heartbroken.I already miss you.Thank you for the good advice you gave me.I know daddy was so happy to see you and aunt Doris.Mike misses you too.You were so kind to him and he loved your conversations. Mama loved you too.Go rest high with no more suffering.All my love until we meet again.love you.

  3. Our prayers go out to Rita and Janet and Janet’s daughter on the death of Rufus. He was always friendly at the funeral home and wherever else you ran up with him. May God bless you all now and in the days ahead.

    Paul and Linda Horner

  4. Rufus was so special. He was so kind, caring and compassionate. He had the sweetest grin and was so fun to laugh with. I recall many family dinners with him and Doris and my grandparents and all of our family beach trips spent together. He was like a bonus grandpa to me. He was such a fine example of a good Godly man, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. He will be missed dearly but it is wonderful knowing he is with the angels and is well and able now. Until we meet again sweet Rufus! We love you always for your love and example in our lives.

  5. Janet, Rita and family,
    Your father was such a humble, kindhearted man. May all your memories bring you great comfort during this difficult time. Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.

    All the daughters of Charles Kennedy loved both your mother and father.

  6. To Janet and Rita and all the family. I know the sadness you feel right now hurts all the way through your heart. My heart breaks for you as well. May you take comfort in knowing that your Daddy is celebrating with your Mama, his family and many friends. There are no words to help the mourning you will endure but know there are and were prayers every day for your sweet, humble Daddy. May the Lord comfort and keep all of you with blessings of kindness! I loved visiting him at Pinelake. He always lifted me up with talking about our Daddy. I will miss him!

  7. Love, light, joy, and a sweet precious presence fulfilled the room when Rufus was around. An humble man with an abundance of wisdom…..that was Rufus. We miss you here and find peace knowing you can be free of pain. We know so many were eagerly awaiting you…..
    You were not just a good one…. YOU WERE ONE OF THE VERY BEST…..We love you💛

  8. Dear Janet, Rita and family – may God provide comfort for you all at this time. Whenever I saw your sweet Daddy, he was always so welcoming and had a sincere smile upon his face. He will be greatly missed but we all know where he is and will be waiting for us in Heaven. Isn’t that going to be a joyful reunion? My prayers are with you all🙏

  9. Janet, Rita and families, so sorry for your loss. Your Daddy was a kind sweet man. Much love and prayers for God’s comfort during this time and the days ahead. Love, Paula Garner Lineberry

  10. Janet, Rita and families, so sorry for your loss. Your daddy was a sweet man. Much love and prayers for God‘s comfort during this time. Paula Garner Lineberry.

  11. Rita and Janet

    “I am truly sorry for the loss of your dad. Mr. Rufus was such a remarkable man, and I feel privileged to have known him and cared for him. He was a loving man that showed and told me all the time how much he appreciated me for being kind and doing a great job of caring for him., and those memories will always stay with me. I know how deeply you all loved him, and I can only imagine the pain you are feeling right now. Please know that my heart is with you during this time of grief, and I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the love you shared and in the memories that will forever keep him close to your heart. I’m so glad I got to tell him I loved him and I’m glad God allowed me to meet such a wonderful man. I will continue to keep you all lifted up in prayer.

  12. Rufus Wallace became my brother-in-law when he married Doris when I was 10 yrs old so he was always been a part of my life. I have never known a more faithful Christian, husband, father, grandfather , family man for the Wallace family and the Ferree family. He became Uncle Roo Roo to the little one at Grandma Ferree’s on Sunday. Rita and Janet you have certainly followed in his footsteps with your care for him in his sickness. Our hearts are so heavy but we know we will be a part of that Reunion in Heaven one day. Rufus Wallace was always so special Grandma Ferree and the whole family.

  13. Rita, Janet and family,
    Kim and I are grieved for you in your loss of Mr. Wallace. Such a kind, caring and encouraging man. He will be missed. May God cradle you all in His loving arms in your grief now and in the days to come. We love you. Kim and Bruce Williams

  14. Janet, Rita and all of your family,
    I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your sweet Father. May you be comforted in knowing he is rejoicing in heaven now with Jesus and precious loved ones who have gone on before him, and may the loving prayers of others sustain you in the difficult days to come. My prayer is that you will feel God’s presence and nearness whenever and wherever you need Him. Sending love and hugs, Jackie Preslar ❤️ 🙏

  15. We are so sorry to hear about your father Rufus, a very kind and gentle man. We always enjoyed talking to him and know you will miss him very much.

  16. Rita and Janet,
    I just read about your dear sweet father’s
    passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. Rufus was always so kind to everyone and such a good man. May God bless you and keep you both in His loving arms. You are loved.

    Sue Williams Blanton

  17. Sorry to hear about Mr Wallace, he was a wonderful man, may God bless and comfort all of you now and the weeks to come

  18. Dearest Rita and Janet i’m so sorry for your loss of such a sweet father., He is now in Gods hands, being with those that he loved.I know how it hurts for us still on earth. But we will see them soon. Your family is in my prayers.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle


Accessibility Tools
hide