Mr. Wallace Jackson Paschal

Wallace Jackson Paschal, 86, of Opelika, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 30.

Wallace was a native of Riverview, Ala., where he earned Eagle Scout rank, graduated from Valley High School in 1951 and married the former Lorene Sims in 1954. He served four years in the Active Duty Air Force, returning to Riverview in 1955 to begin working with the Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco) in 1956. His job moved him to Opelika in 1958, where he continued working with Alagasco until his retirement in 1991. Throughout the years, Wallace continued his military career as an active member of the Alabama Army National Guard. During his more than 40 years of service, Wallace rose through the ranks, and in 1970, was promoted to Command Sergeant Major, the highest rank for an enlisted member, a rank he held for more than 21 years.

Inspired by seeing his sons and daughter graduate from college, he took on the challenge of completing his college studies and in 1990, earned an associate of science degree (cum laude) from Faulkner University. In 1992, after an 8-month tour in South West Asia (Saudi Arabia) as part of Operation Desert Shield/Storm, earning a Bronze Star Medal, Wallace returned home and retired from the Army. In retirement, he joined the local Cowboys coffee club and the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) lunch group.

As a faithful Christian, Wallace served our Lord and savior as a devoted member and layperson at First United Methodist Church in Opelika, where he gave his time and talents in many areas.  He was an outstanding Dad and Granddad to all the kids.

He was the son of the late Grady B. and Kate Smith Paschal. He is also preceded in death by his son, Bertron “Bert” Jerome Paschal, and sister, Ruby Paschal Ivey of Murphy, NC.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, Wallace is survived by two sons, Wallace Jackson  “Jack” Paschal II and wife, Elaine, of Fleming Island, Fla. and Noel Jay Paschal and wife, Dixie, of Madison; daughter Phoebe Paschal Branch and husband, Keith, of Opelika; 11 grandchildren; Lael Paschal Kaltz, David MaCain Paschal (Melleny), Landon Sims Paschal, Timothy Jerome Paschal (now deceased), Mallory Branch Phillippi (Billy), Meredith Lee Branch (fiancé, Ben Brady), Anna Mariah Paschal Kramer (Dusty), Madeline Branch Farr (Robert), Dustin James Paschal, Garrett Jackson Paschal and Baylor Jay Paschal; 10 great grandchildren; two brothers; Holland Paschal and wife, Faye, of Valley, and Leon Paschal and wife, Dorothy, of Tiger, Ga. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 3, 2019 from 2:30-4 p.m. CT in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the sanctuary at 4 p.m. with Rev. Robin Wilson officiating, followed by burial in Shady Grove Cemetery on West Point Parkway.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (donate online) or First United Methodist Church (Building Fund), 702 Avenue A, Opelika, AL.  36801.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directing.

www.jeffcoattrant.com