Bennie Lee Wallace, Sr.

Bennie Lee Wallace Sr., age 91, of 602 Mayes Ave. Sweetwater, went home to be with Jesus Thursday May 13, 2010 in the Sweetwater Hospital. Veteran of WWII enlisted Feb. 28,1941 in the first invasion in North Africa. He commanded the Guard of Honor for the surrender of enemy forces in his sector. He was involved in the invasion of Sicily at Gelas and took the first group of prisoners. He was involved in the invasion of Sicily the Pal Islands, and Quar and the Ulithie Islands., participated in the invasion of Ihena Islands areas Okiiua the last invasion of the war. He received the following medals good conduct, WWII Victory Med al European Africa Middle East Service Medal with two bronze stars, American service and defense with two bronze star, and the combat infantry badge He was an expert on the MI rifle, carbine 30.50 Marine gun, Thomas submarine gun and 81 MS mortor. He also made first and last invasion. He was a life member of the Sweetwater Gold Star Post 5156. He was the founding president of the East Ridge Band Club in Chattanooga. Ben loved music. He sung in the church choir and the Sweetwater Valley Citizen for the Arts Community Choir for many years. Because of this love he purchased a grand piano for the First United Methodist Church of Sweetwater where he was a member and he attended the builders Sunday School Class. He retired from the South Central Bell after 33 years of Service. Ben was a people person, never met a stranger and had a great sense of humor. Loved everyone especially helping the children and the needed. Preceded in death by parents: Pearlie and Nancy Stooke Wallace. Infant brother, Mack and Sister Edith, Brothers and sisters in law: Richard and Dorothy Wallace, James and Myrtle Wallace, A.J. and Ernestine Wallace and his first wife: Beatrice Cornelison Wallace. Survivors include: 2nd wife, the love of his life for 22 ½ years. Anna M. Wallace, Sweetwater. Son and daughter in law: Benny Lee and Jeanette Wallace Jr. of Greenwich, Ct. Brothers and sister in law: Jack and Edith Wallace of Athens. Dr. Joe and Shirley Wallace, Crossville, TN. Special niece and nephews : Nancy and Rev. Ted Baker of Sweetwater. Special friend, Jim Shepard, Vicky Burnette and Nancy Marler. Severeal nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Sunday May 16, at The First United Methodist Church in Sweetwater from 4:30 to 5:30 PM with a celebration of life service to follow at 5:30 with Rev. Carl Oaks and Rev. Julian Walton officiating. Interment Monday May 17 at 10:00 AM in the West View Cemetery with full military honors to be provided by the Sweetwater VFW Gold Star Post 5156 and members of the Monroe County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 93. Honorary pallbearers will be the veterans of the VFW Gold Star Post 5156 and the church choir. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Holston United Methodist Home for Children. P.O. Box 188, Greeneville, TN 37744. Kyker Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhome.com

Bennie Lee Wallace, Sr.

December 17, 1918 - May 13, 2010