Thomas Wayne Wallace

August 05, 1969 - May 14, 2015

Obituary For Thomas Wayne Wallace

Thomas Wayne Wallace Jr. of Raleigh passed away on May 14, 2015, at the age of 45 due to complications from lymphoma. He was born at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA, and was the only child of Thomas and Star Wallace.

Tom graduated from high school in Sarasota, FL. In just 4.5 years, he obtained both his BA in Political Science from the University of South Florida in Tampa and his MA in Political Science from North Carolina State University. During his last semester in graduate school, he began dating Michele Lefeber, whom he married a few years later.

After many years in retail management, Tom discovered his passion for teaching middle school history. He was a dedicated teacher and school volunteer. Shaping the lives of young adults and seeing them begin to think for themselves was incredibly rewarding. His colleagues greatly appreciated his positive outlook and sense of humor.

Tom was also a great father and husband. For the last six years, he has been the “domestic engineer” of the Wallace household and the glue that kept things running. He provided a wonderful example of courage, service and faith to his family and community. He is survived by his loving wife Michele; his four children - Thomas Ian, Ryan Patrick, Kathryn Mary and Brendan Conner; and his mother, Star Wallace, all of Raleigh. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Wayne Wallace Sr.

Donations would be appreciated and can be made to the St. Luke’s Building Fund in memory of Thomas.

Services

20 May

Visitation

06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

21 May

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

St. Luke the Evangelist R.C. Church 12333 Bayleaf Church Road Raleigh, NC 27614 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Amy Veatch

When Tom was diagnosed with and treated for cancer years ago, I was going through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. We were taking some of the same chemo treatments. He came by with Michelle to visit one day and was feeling good, I wasn't. His encouragement that day meant the difference in dispare and hope for me in my struggle. I will remember his advice always, "This is one day. Tomorrow will be different, and I'm proof of that." What wise words for all struggles! My prayers are with all the Wallace's, and especially to my friend, Michelle, I send lots of love. Amy
September 01, 2020

SRJEWETT

Tom's legacy is the courage, dignity and humor he modeled to his middle school students when initially diagnosed and treated for his cancer. The respect and care with which he treated his students during that time I am sure remains with them to this day. They were lucky to have had him as a teacher and it's a unfortunate more will not have that opportunity.
September 01, 2020

Melissa Holland

I taught with Tom at East Millbrook. He was always such a positive influence for good. I never saw him without a smile! His love for God and his family was always evident. He treated colleagues and students with respect and compassion. Our loss is certainly Heaven's gain.
September 01, 2020

Jennifer Kramer

Lit a candle in memory of Thomas Wayne Wallace
September 01, 2020

James McGowan

On Aug. 5, 1969, the world received a blessing from the heavens. A child was born that would later on become a staunch and loving family man, a teacher to the young to prepare them for life, a loyal and loving husband, and a best friend like no other. I met Tom in elementary school and our friendship continued long after we graduated high school. My parents and Toms mother, Star, became good friends after the passing of Toms father. Tom and I rode bikes around the neighborhood all the time and even went to several Star Trek conventions together. Even when Tom moved to Florida, we kept in sporadic contact. When Tom married his wife, Michelle, he made sure my family was invited. Later on, Tom and Michelle bestowed upon me the humbling honor of being godfather to their first child, Thomas. During all this time and my time in the military service, we somehow managed to keep in contact. I learned of his illness while stationed overseas and my family celebrated the remission in 2006. Once I left the military last year, my family (my loving wife of 18 years Teresa and my 2 sons) started looking into the possibility of visiting Tom and his family. Unfortunately, that was not to be. Through my interaction with Tom on social media, I knew he was very active with his church, loved his job teaching the kids, and absolutely loved raising his children. Once I saw all the support for Tom and his family both during his illness and after his passing, I must admit I was not surprised. Knowing Toms personality like I did, I knew he would be a well-liked person. It was just his way. On May 14, 2015, the world became a darker place. The light of a kind, loving soul faded away and all we, those that knew Tom, have left are the memories. As corny and nerdy as it might be, I want to close this with a line of dialogue from one Toms and my favorite movies, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan: Hes really not dead as long as we remember him (Dr. Leonard McCoy/DeForest Kelley
September 01, 2020

Debbie Chafin

I worked with Tom at East Millbrook. He always was good for a joke and a smile. Rest in Peace, Tom.