Benjamin Eugene Wallace's Obituary
Benjamin Eugene Wallace, Jr., known affectionately as “Gene,” went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the age of 90, surrounded by family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. this Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL.
A lifelong Floridian, Gene was born in Miami on December 24, 1933 to his late parents, Benjamin Eugene and Catherine Meskill (nee Ring) Wallace, Sr. Raised in Coral Gables, he attended and was part of the first graduating class of Coral Gables Senior High in 1951. He went on to earn degrees in Industrial Management and Industrial Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, where he was a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
Although Gene’s professional journey began with General Electric and Florida Power and Light, he later earned his CPA and joined the firm of Ring, Mahoney and Arner. In the late 1960s, Gene made Fort Myers his home and joined forces with Gilbert, Brown, and Bostick accounting firm; it would later become Gilbert, Wallace, and Stewart where he grew the firm with his partners until his retirement.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gene was a man of diverse interests. He enjoyed music and he played the ukulele, guitar, and piano throughout his life. He loved to travel, especially to Bermuda and Myrtle Beach with his wife, Rosemary. Not only did he watch and play sports, but he loved to talk sports with whomever would join in. A baseball fanatic, he followed the sport with unwavering enthusiasm. As an adult, he played basketball and baseball for many years. Keeping his mind sharp, Gene challenged himself every day with crossword puzzles and Sudoku. Whether in a large group or one-on-one, Gene’s fun-loving personality endeared him to family and friends alike. He was a master storyteller. With his children and grandkids, he loved to weave personal jokes through hours’ long conversations. He was quick-witted and enjoyed the banter. Most of all though, Gene was a kind and warm man with a listening ear. People gravitated toward him because of his easy-going spirit. He enjoyed his family and friends with all his heart. Monday lunches at Biggy’s with his close-knit group of friends were a highlight of his week.
Gene was a devoted and much-loved son, brother, father, husband, uncle, and grandfather who was well-known in the community. He was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he lent his bass voice to the church choir, enriching worship services with his musical talent.
Gene was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Wallace Brawner.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Rosemary Wallace; his three children, Terri Fogg of Naples, FL, Mark Wallace (Grace) of Coral Gables, FL and Elizabeth Stone (Clay) of Atlanta, GA; five adored grandchildren, Brandon, Amanda, Samuel, Sebastian and Harlan; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.
As we bid farewell to Benjamin Eugene Wallace, Jr., we celebrate a life well-lived—a life marked by compassion, dedication, and the joy of connecting with others. Gene’s legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, General Fund in loving memory of Gene Wallace.
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