LARRY DEAN WALLACE JR

Larry “Dean” Wallace Jr., 55, of Athens went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at Starr Regional Medical Center in Athens.

A seventh-generation native of McMinn County, Dean was preceded in death by his grandson, Mason Wallace; his aunt and uncle, Betty and Robert “Bob” Wallace of Athens; and his grandparents, Martha and Ballard Wallace of Athens; and Emma and Floyd Peters of Athens.

Survivors include his wife of 11 years, Susie Watts Wallace of Athens; his father, Larry D. Wallace Sr. of Athens; his mother and stepfather, Eva Grace and Richard D. Burris of Calhoun; one daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Dustin Roberts of Knoxville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Joshua and Ali Grube of Pfafftown, NC; Zach and Kirsten Wallace of Carthage; three grandsons, Maddux Wallace, Royce Robertson, and Lukas Grube; sister, Deborah Wallace of Atlanta, GA; stepsister, Kayla Evans Duff of Englewood; brother and sister-in-law, Chuck and Melanie Hall of Ringgold, GA; father-in-law, Douglas Watts of Athens; niece, Ashley Wallace Copeland of Athens; and his aunts, Barbara Hawkins and Linda Weir.

Dean was an employee of the McMinn County Highway Department for over 15 years. He loved fishing, hunting, riding his Harley and being outside to see God’s natural artistry. Proud of his roots, Dean cherished being able to build a home for Susie and him on his Pappaw Peters’ land. Like his dad, Larry, he had a huge heart for animals, especially strays, and loved helping others in any way possible. He loved to smile and laugh, but he especially loved making others laugh and smile.

A graveside service will be at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2020 at Pond Hill Cemetery with Rev. David Graybeal officiating. Jeans are encouraged, as attendees are asked to please dress casually. Those wishing to join the procession will meet at 2:00 p.m. at Ziegler Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers will be employees of McMinn County Highway Department and members of VFW McMinn County Memorial Post 5146. After the graveside service, a celebration of Dean’s life will be held at the VFW and all who want to honor him are welcome to share fellowship with his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dean’s memory to the McMinn Regional Humane Society at 219 Alford Street in Athens, TN, 37303.

If you are unable to attend the visitation or service, please sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Larry “Dean” Wallace Jr.