Wallace was united with the Mt. Zion Baptist Church and baptized at an early age under the leadership of his father.
Wallace attended the Smith elementary school and high school in Norphlet Arkansas. He was a scholar and an outstanding basketball player winning the “All State Award” throughout his high school career.
Wallace was awarded an athletic scholarship to AM and N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and played basketball for the Golden Lions. He decided to pursue a career in education and moved to Benton Harbor Michigan. There he taught Health and Physical Education and coached the Junior Varsity Basketball team. He went on to become assistant Principal and eventually the first Black Principal of Benton Harbor High School.
Wallace then relocated to Sacramento, California in an Administrative position as well as holding Assistant Superintendent of school Positions in Jackson, Mississippi, Richmond, Virginia, Roosevelt New York as Superintendent of Schools , Mt Vernon , New York and ending his career in Pontiac Michigan when he officially retired in 2005. Yet he would continue to contribute to the profession whenever called upon.
As a mentor to many he was especially proud of his most successful mentee and friend, Tahira Dupree Chase PHD. He did not hesitate to invest his personal time and professional expertise to encourage others to become educational leaders.
As an Administrator Wallace had an infectious leadership style, which encompassed integrity ,fairness and the ability to make firm decisions with an impeccable knowledge of school law.
As an Educator, Wallace empowered administrators, principals, assistant principals, teachers and substitute teachers to effectively utilize their leadership qualities through ongoing professional development which he taught throughout his career. He was always the ultimate professional and he was very proud to be a presenter at NABSE, the National Association of Black School Educators.
Wallace loved fishing, boating, long drives and sunny days at the beach as well as concerts and plays. He had a genuine love of politics and would spend hours discussing relevant issues.
Although soft spoken, Wallace had a commanding presence which made you sit up and listen. He loved soul music, jazz, a shiny Cadillac and a sharp suit with shoes and a tie to match , he was the original Cat Daddy. He liked to cook and he was good at it. He was known for his barbecue and secret sauce.
Wallace was a beloved husband, father , brother, uncle grandfather, son-in-law nephew and friend. There will never be another or a better.
Wallace leaves to cherish his life and memory, his devoted wife Stacey who was by his side for 23 years. Sons Lawrence and Terrence Dunn, daughters Danielle Sladek and Samantha McManus, son in law Karel Sladek, Mother in law Evelyn Newsome, sister Dennetta Dunn Waters, Aunt Velma McBeth Slaughter, Granddaughters Alexis, Ashley, and Arianna Dunn and Francesca Sladek. Great granddaughter Mia Riley, Niece Kenneika Waters, Nephew Ken (Bobbe) Waters. A host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, other family members and special friends.
I LOVE YOU MORE
All are welcome to watch the memorial service on our Facebook Page- @Kraeercoralsprings
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital.
Acknowledgements
The family of Wallace Lawrence Dunn Jr would like to express our gratitude for all of the kindness shown to us.. To those who called or visited or sent a gift, to those who left a tribute on the Memorial Page, we thank you. Please keep us in your prayers during these trying times as you will be in ours.
The Dunn Family
May the Lord Bless you and keep you and give you peace
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