Donald Parker Wallace

Donald Parker Wallace died peacefully at his home in Fairfax, Virginia surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old. Don was born June 6, 1933 in New Haven, Connecticut to George and Katherine Wallace. Don was predeceased by his son David, and is survived by his wife Mary, his sons Jeff and Stephen, their wives Judi and Abigail, and grandchildren Steve Grogan, Jason, Matthew, Sophia, and James. Don grew up in Connecticut and later attended Western Maryland College on an athletic scholarship. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army while attending Western Maryland College. There he met his wife of 63 years, Mary Lowe. They married in 1958 at Walter Reed Chapel in Washington D.C. Don fulfilled his military duty as a 1st Lieutenant. Don and Mary lived in Columbia, South Carolina until his honorable discharge. They then moved to North Haven, CT where Don worked for Crucible Steel. From there Don was introduced to Parke Davis where he began his successful sales career. Don and Mary moved to Virginia Beach in the early 1960’s where they had two sons David and Jeff. Don continued his sales career in 1961 at Mead Johnson Pharmaceuticals (Bristol Myers Squibb) where he was a top salesman for 33 years. He also continued to serve in the Army Reserve. In 1969 they moved to Fairfax, Virginia. While in Fairfax they had their third son Stephen. After Don retired from Mead Johnson Pharmaceuticals he started his second sales career in corporate and group sales for George Mason University Athletics. Don was again a top salesman for the university and made many life long friends in the athletic department.

As a believer in Christ, Don’s faith carried him through his life and was his foundation. Don was a leader in many areas of the church including teaching teenagers about the importance of a relationship with God. Don’s battle with medical issues in recent years showed his courage and faith in facing life’s challenges. Don’s favorite bible verse was “Be Still and Know that I am God” Psalm 46:10.

Don’s legacy will live on in his family and the many lives he touched.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” John 11:25.

Don’s graveside service will be private with immediate family.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to the Don and David Wallace Scholarship Endowment in Athletics. Checks should be made out to the GMU Foundation and write “Wallace” in the memo line and mailed to George Mason Patriot Club, 4400 University Drive, MS 3A5, Fairfax, VA 22030, or by phone at 703-993-3218, or directly online at https://securemason.gmu.edu/s/1564/GID2/16/19-giving.aspx?sid=1564&gid=2&pgid=6781&bledit=1&sort=1&dids=669&appealcode=22ATDW