O.D. Wallace Jr.

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, O.D. Wallace, Jr. passed away in Wilmington, NC on July 29. 2023. He was born in Carthage, NC to the late Agnes and O.D. Wallace, Sr. on September 20, 1932. He is survived by his wife, Linda Wallace; sister, Marguerite Howard; children Debbie Johnson (Bo), Betsy Davis (Rolly), Gwyn Fuller (Rusty), Deana Mode (C.M.), Bobby Wallace (Margie), Brandy Rioux (Brian) and Whitney Baker Blackmon. He was “Papa O.D.” to his grandchildren Ashley Joyner (Kevin), Holly Turner (C.D.), Erin Donaghy (Chris), Allen Johnson, Savannah and Robert Wallace, Luke, Loftin and Noah Rioux and great grands Caroline and Luke Joyner, Emerson and Charli Turner and Madi Donaghy. He will also be missed by his cousin, Carolyn Borden and his fishing buddy, Earl Rideout. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his
sister, Bettie Doyle Williams, an infant son, and grandson Logan Baker Blackmon.

O.D. was born in Carthage and attended Appalachian on a basketball scholarship. He returned to Carthage to teach at Carthage High School where he also coached the football team and the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. He was so proud of his players and they won several championships. In Carthage he was a member of the Fire Dept., the Jaycees, First Presbyterian Church and also served on the Moore County School Board. He finished his career working at Blue Cross, where he met his wife, Linda. They retired to the Coast and loved sharing time with family there.

Every day spent with O.D. was a joy and he was the life of any party. He loved fishing with family and friends, watching UNC basketball and classic TV, exchanging jokes, riding on his exercise bike, walking his dogs, thrift store shopping and cheering on the grandchildren in their activities. His family was his heart and he loved them fiercely.

A graveside service will be held at Cross Hill Cemetery in Carthage, N. C. on August 19, 2023 at 11:30 am, followed by a receiving of friends in the fellowship hall of the Carthage First Presbyterian Church. O.D. would want you to come dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, or UNC or Appalachian attire. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be offered at www.PinesFunerals.com.

Fry & Prickett is assisting the Wallace family.