Paul G. Wallace, 55, of Vancleave, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 10, 2013 after a long battle with pancreatitis. He was surrounded by family and friends at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. Born in Brookhaven to Grady and Minnie Wallace, he lived and went to school in Bogue Chitto. He moved to Vancleave in 1981 to accept his first teaching/coaching (basketball) job at Vancleave High School. He taught and coached at St. John High School while finishing his administration degree from USM. As an administrator, he worked at Pascagoula High Annex, Gautier High School, George County High School and retired from Vancleave High School in May 2012. He began his retirement by accepting a job as elementary principal at Westminster Academy in Gulfport.

He was preceded in death by his parents Grady and Minnie Wallace, father-in-law Grover Wallace, brother-in-law Ronnie L. Wallace.

Survivors include his wife Nancy D. Wallace; godson Eli Dollar; brothers and sisters Kay (Laness) Freeman, M. L. (Jeanette) Wallace, Christine (Jewell) Leonard, Lavone Leal, Melissa (Jimmy) Adams, J.L. (Vicky) Wallace; mother-in-law Nadine Wallace, brothers-in-law Glenn (Jackie) Wallace, Alan (Cindy) Wallace, Kenneth (Dana) Wallace; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends Hal Holmes, Todd Knight, Robert “Mac” McRaney, and Carl Pearce.

Paul loved his family. He and Nancy (married 35 years) shared a love for animals, gardening, and helping others. He talked to his brothers and sisters often. He treasured his nieces and nephews as if they were his own and was quick to offer encouragement and support. His greatest joy in life was the time he spent with his godson Eli. They “blazed many trails together”, spent many days exploring “secret places”, camping at Flint Creek, building campfires and doing fireworks. Paul always said “Eli Days” were the best days of the week.

Paul loved the outdoors and thrived on golf, hunting and fishing. He thought that any day spent on the golf course, in the woods, or on the water was a great day no matter what kind of weather. He loved animals. He would rescue a stray dog or cat even if it required welding gloves to fend off bites and scratches. Every “critter” that hung out to be fed more than a couple of days merited a name.

First Baptist Church, 12513 Hwy 57, Vancleave, MS: Visitation Friday night Jan. 18, 2013 from 5 until 8 p.m. and Saturday Jan. 19, 2013, from 9 until 9:45 a.m. Memorial Service Saturday 10 a.m. Jan. 19, 2013.

Montgomery Baptist Church, 495 Montgomery Rd., Summit. Visitation Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, from 1 until 3 p.m. Memorial Service 3 p.m. with burial immediately following.

Pallbearers for the services will be Hal Holmes, Todd Knight, Andy Leggett, Robert “Mac” McRaney, Carl Pearce and Lloyd Wallace. Honorary pallbearer will be Jody Coleman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you please make donations to the Paul G Wallace Scholarship Fund at Hancock Bank. Out-of-town donations can be mailed to Paul G Wallace Scholarship Fund, Hancock Bank, POB 681400, Prattville AL 36068. Acct: 046-385-117. His strong belief in education will be carried on through these scholarships.

Those unable to attend may register at www.obryantokeefe.com

“I raise my hands, I bow my head,

I’m finding more and more truth in the words written in red,

They tell me that there’s more to life than just what I can see,

Oh, I believe!”