Raymond Lanier Wallace

Raymond Lanier (Ray) Wallace age 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Acworth, Georgia on Tuesday, December 31st. A memorial service will be held at Woodstock Funeral Home on Friday, January 4 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive guests on Thursday between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m.

Ray is survived by his wife, Jane, 5 daughters Tracy Hext and husband Lance, Suzanne Grover and husband Kim, Leighanne Littrell and husband Brian, Julie Wallace, and Jessica Wallace, 6 grandchildren and a brother, Larry Wallace and family. He is preceded in death by his son Kenneth Patrick Wallace and daughter Leslie Rae Wallace.

Ray was born in Rockmart, Georgia to the late E.J. and Florence Wallace on August 15, 1940. He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. Ray served his community and country as a firefighter for over 30 years for both Atlanta and Marietta City fire departments. He retired from the Marietta Fire Department in 1999. Following the tragedy of 9/11, Ray got in his truck and drove to New York City to” help in any way he could.” He was featured in the Marietta Daily Journal for his service there.

As well as being a career fireman and paramedic, Ray was a talented and accomplished musician. He could play any instrument he picked up, but playing the drums was his true calling. He played for many years with local performers, including the late Billy Lee Riley. In 1968, he played the drums for Elvis Presley and later had the opportunity to record at the famous Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.

Ray also enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved riding motorcycles and once took his dog for a ride. He was an animal lover through and through as can be attested to by his dogs Gus, Sam and Cody. Ray was an unwilling collector of ducks and troll dolls, both given to him by his daughters who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Terry Farrell Firefighter’s Fund, at terryfund.org.

Online condolences may be made to www.woodstockfuneralhome.com