Charlie was born on March 25, 1932 at home in West Union to Carroll and Rachel (York) Wallace. He was a 1950 graduate of Greenwood Central School and later served in the Unites States Navy from 1951-1955. He was a radar operator aboard the USS Turner (DD-834), deploying in the Mediterranean Sea. On August 24, 1957 at the Independence Church, he married Joan M. Clark, who predeceased him on September 7, 2024.
Charlie was a welder and later crane operator for Air Preheater in Wellsville for 35 years, retiring in 1994.
Charlie is survived by his children, Robert (Suzanne) Wallace of Canandaigua, Cynthia Wallace Dempsey of Wellsville, Debra Wallace of Andover, David (DeeDee) Wallace of Andover, William (Kris) Wallace of Shinglehouse, Pa.; one sister, Gloria (Clair) Tracy of Greenwood; 10 grandchildren, Jonathan Wallace, Natalie Wallace, Jennifer Dempsey, Bradley Baldwin, Becky (Bill) Fish, Bethany (Mark) Burger, Chelsea (Matt) Burdick, Kaitlyn Wallace, Eric (Abby) Wallace and Paul (Phylicia) Wallace; 12 great grandchildren, Dylan Haskins, Alivia Fish, Hayden Fish, Liam Burger, Max Burger, Bella Arias, Patrick Shea, Myles Shea, Max Wallace, Mazey Wallace, Lyla Burdick, and Evelyn Wallace; two brothers-in-law, Jack Clark and Larry Clark, both of Andover; two sisters-in-law, Carole Roth of Cocoa Beach, Fla. and Sylvia Lehman of Wellsville; a special care giver Samantha George; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Charlie was a long-time sports enthusiast. In high school, he excelled in basketball, baseball and football. In later years, he loved bowling and participated in bowling leagues. In the fall, hunting season was a big part of his life. Charlie was a life-long Dodgers fan when they played in Brooklyn and since it was unthinkable to become a Yankee’s fan when the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, he forgave them and continued to cheer their success out west. He was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan.
Charlie, with his wife Joan enjoyed Square Dancing at the Wellsville VFW. He delivered Meals on Wheels for 12 years, often accompanied with his wife. Together, they loved to travel together to Nashville, Tenn. and Branson, Mo.; enjoying the country music venues along the way.
Charlie was a proud American and a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved his country and family greatly. He took great satisfaction in instilling in them the values of country, community and family.
Charlie was a long-time member of the Andover American Legion, Andover Lions Club, the Andover Rod and Gun Club and was a scout leader for the Boys Scouts of America.
There will be a time of visitation on Thursday (March 27) at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Immediately following the visitation, Charlie’s funeral will take place at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Christian Mattison of the Andover Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in the Independence Cemetery in Independence. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Charlie’s name may be made to the Andover Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 726, Andover NY 14806 or Andover Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 714, Andover NY 14806. © 2024 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
