JACKSONVILLE, FL

Ralph Gale Wallace, of Jacksonville, 84, passed away May 31, 2025, with his wife, children and grandson, at his bedside. Ralph was born January 6, 1941, in Union County, NC to Burke Wallace and Dorothy Rushing Wallace. Ralph and his former wife, Brenda Ross Wallace (dec.) had a son, Ronald Aaron Wallace (Patricia) of Riddleville, GA and a daughter, Vivian Wallace McAinich, (Steve) of Atlantic Beach, FL. Ralph and Patricia Kiley Wallace married in 1989, following his retirement from the Navy.

Ralph's Naval career was one of setting records, gaining advancements of leadership, and receiving commendations. He achieved Chief Petty Officer at age 24 and Master Chief Machinist, Surface Warfare at age 35. Ralph joined the Navy and saw the world for 31 years, and many times over. This was at a time when deployments were at sea for 12 months.

Following his naval retirement at 48, he joined St. Vincent's Medical Center, Riverside, Plant facilities. His attributes were recognized, and he quickly rose to leadership positions of supervisor, manager, then director. One of the many fond memories he shared was of when a hurricane had flooded the end of King Street and stranded the nuns in their convent. Ralph sent a rowboat to rescue them to the hospital until the water retreated, and their power restored.

Throughout life he enjoyed labor. He and Patricia worked in their yard, growing fruit trees and flowering bushes. Even in leisure, he made time to run year-round, in marathons and completing The River Run with Patricia.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, sister Faye Nell Wallace Horne and her husband Judge Horne, and many aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, his son and daughter, stepson Mark Andrews, USCG, ret., twin brothers Lynne and Glenn Wallace, and nephew Norris Horne all of Monroe, NC. His grandsons, Curtis Young (Allie), Eric Lambert, and great grandchildren.

Special mention of the compassion, understanding and care given by Raven and Misty of Brooks Home Health Care, Community Hospice team, Father Pradeep Aerthayil of St. Matthews CC, Dr. Z. Huang, and longtime friend Britt Bullard Pease.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 12th at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 1773 Blanding Blvd. with Fr. J. Thomas as celebrant. Reception will follow in the Social Hall at St. Matthews. The burial with full military honors will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, promptly at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that you may consider a donation to St. Matthews CC, Community Hospice, or to Parkinson's Disease research.

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