Robert Barnes Wallace, Jr.

Robert “Bob” Barnes Wallace Jr., 74, passed away peacefully on December 31, surrounded by family after a long illness. He lived his life honoring God and fiercely loving his family. His deep faith was the driving force of his life, bringing him peace until the end.

Bob was born on March 6, 1951, in New Orleans to Beverley and Robert Wallace. He grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he learned to love the Lord and the beauty of God’s creation – especially the coastal waters and the great outdoors of South Texas.

After graduating from W.B. Ray High School in 1969, he attended Southern Methodist University earning a Bachelor of Business Administration and later his Juris Doctor in law. During his time at SMU, he began dating his future wife, Louella, who he had known most of his life. Their friendship grew – with Bob initially taking on the role of a big brother and evolving into unconditional love, resulting in a beautiful 51 years of marriage.

In 1976, the newlyweds returned to Corpus Christi, and Bob joined his father in practicing law at Wallace & Wallace. It became clear that his heart was to serve others and his vocation brought him great joy. For almost 50 years, he skillfully served his clients, helping with their taxes, wills and estate needs. Bob was especially fulfilled when able to advocate for those in need, even when he got nothing in return.

He was a man of lifelong passions and talents. From the earliest age, he loved being on the water fishing and spending hours playing golf. One of his greatest joys was taking his daughters on fishing trips, passing along his love for the outdoors and seeing God in creation. He later developed an eye for photography, and his grandsons proudly hang some of his wildlife photos in their rooms. After a pause from playing golf in order to raise his girls, he quickly picked the sport back up to win tournaments and even achieved two holes in one.

Bob was an active member of First United Methodist Church. His favorite role was camp counselor and quest leader at Christian Adventure Camp, ensuring each child knew that God loved them. He and Louella welcomed youth from the church youth group to their home each week, where he taught in-depth Bible study for over 10 years.

Bob was passionate about conservation of our Coastal Bend bays. He helped found the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, serving as president and director. He ultimately received the Chairman’s Award for Environmental Excellence for his efforts. The Wallace Oyster Research and Hatchery Facility is currently planned to be built in Palacios, Texas, recognizing his lifelong dedication to the protection of our local bays and estuaries.

Above all, Bob most treasured his family. Marrying Louella, being a father to his two daughters and later DadaBob to his six grandchildren, brought him a lifetime of joy. He loved them fiercely and gave so generously. His favorite time with them was just doing the ordinary things, actively engaging in each one of their lives. He always made sure they knew how special they were and that they were known and fully loved by him and by God.

He kept his love of the Lord and love for other people until the very end. He never missed an opportunity to tell anyone around, “I love you.”

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Louella Caldwell Wallace, his daughters Emily Wallace Reader (Jeff) of Fort Worth and Lorraine Wallace Holland (Bobby) of Grapevine, and six grandchildren: Jeff Robert Reader, William Calvin Reader, Caleb Bryson Reader, Elizabeth Bird Holland, Robert Bourland Holland V, and Benjamin Caldwell Holland; brothers Benjamin Bird Wallace (Patt) and John William Wallace (Sally) all of Corpus Christi, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Beverley and Bob Wallace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 900 S. Shoreline, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, at First United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Affordable Cremations by Winsteads'. (361) 655-5552 www.corpuscremations.com