"Pappy"
Born in Redland, Oklahoma on November 17, 1921, he was the younger of two sons, born to Frank Wallace and Gurthena Bills. They lovingly named him Sherman.
Sherman received his formal education in the Redland Schools- Sequoyah County. The family relocated to Yohola, Oklahoma in 1935, subsequently settling in Taft in 1938. He was a member of the Flipper Chapel A.M.E. church under the leadership of the late Rev. Watson and remained until he later relocated. Sherman along side his brother was an avid baseball player for a Semi-Professional League.
On November 10, 1942 Sherman joined the Armed Forces of the United States of America and served his country for three years being honorably discharged on December 27, 1945 with the rank of E-5. After being discharged Sherman was employed at the Veteran Administration of Muskogee, Oklahoma where he retired after 32 years of service.
We do not know how he earned his nick name "Pappy" but everyone enjoyed getting vegetables from his garden that he was so willing to share with everyone. Pappy also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Sherman met and married Mary Alice Stanford of Muskogee, Oklahoma on July 17, 1977 and to that union one child was born Michael and they shared two sons, Rudolph Jr. and Bernard. They were married for 30 years. Family was the center of Sherman's life. Although his health began to fail Sherman greeted visitors with a big smile and enjoyed watching or listening to sports. He was greatly loved and cared for very well.
Sherman departed this life on July 26, 2007 on God's time. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Frank Wallace and Gurthena Bills, his brothers, Oliver Wallace Sr., James Wallace, Theodore Wallace, Frank Wallace Jr. and one sister, Emma Wallace-Releford and one great-granddaughter Raquel Lyday.
Sherman leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy, a loving wife and companion of 48 years, Mary Alice Wallace of the home; three sons, Michael Pierce (Aretha), Rudolph Pierce Jr. both of Muskogee, Bernard Wallace, of Taft, Oklahoma. Two sister-in-laws, Maxine Norwood of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Ida Wallace of Kansas City, Kansas; two brother- in-laws Sammie (Margo) Stanford and Nathaniel Stanford (Jackie) seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Wallace will be held Friday August 3, 2007 at 11AM at Macedonia Baptist Church. Visitation will be Thursday from 12Noon to 6PM at the funeral home in Muskogee.