Vandie Lee Wallace

Mr. Lee, as he was affectionately known, grew up with his brothers Bo and Sonny, and sisters Ollie and Liz. Graduating from Coachella Valley High School where he was an excellent athlete enjoying track, basketball and baseball as well as football. He was considered one of the best football players as it was his favorite sport. After attending Riverside City College he was invited to try out for the Minnesota Vikings.

Mr. Lee married the Love of his life, Gladys Marie McIlroy affectionately know as “Cory” on June 1, 1968. With this marriage they had three children, Shelli, Mark and James. In actuality they had many others they considered part of their family. Fed whoever needed to be fed and gave a home to those in need.

A Teamster’s member for over 30 years as a professional truck driver but most recently worked for Freeman Decorating where he retired. With his passion for cars he taught himself to be a mechanic and passed this knowledge down to his sons, Mark and James.

Lee had a passion for cooking and loved to cook for everyone. He also enjoyed playing Chess, Shooting Pool and Gambling. As an artist he enjoyed sketching animals in the wild. He enjoyed many cruises with his wife and best friends Mark and Ione Diericks with Les and Mary Waters. One of their favorite places was Alaska.

The Wallace men had Royal South-West Nigerian blood. His Grandma Lola always called her Grandsons as her “Mandingo Warriors”, so this made perfect sense.

Mr. Lee was a Gentle Giant, Big Teddy Bear, Loving and Kind. Patient, Wise, and Caring…. just don’t mess with his family or you would see the Wallace blood in him quick. His Presence could be felt as soon as he walked in a room. Mr. Lee was very friendly, could talk to anyone and his home was always open to all.

The most Beautiful smile in the world and would light up a room with that smile and his kind Spirit. His contagious laughter did the same. There are no words to express how much he will be missed. Mr. Lee was the Patriarch of the Wallace Family.

He left this world on his terms. Not in a hospital, but in his house, in his room, in his own bed…. peacefully. As a Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa, Cousin, and Friend - we miss you so much, and cannot wait to see you again.

You are so Loved!

Song: Amazing Grace to be song by his Niece, Yolanda Lambert

🕊

Don’t cry for me,

I will be okay.

Heaven is my home now,

and this is where I’ll stay.

Don’t cry for me,

I’m where I belong.

I want you to be happy,

and try to stay strong.

Don’t cry for me,

It was just my time.

But I will see you someday,

on the other side.

Don’t cry for me,

I am not alone.

The Angels are with me,

to welcome me home.

Don’t cry for me,

for I have no fear.

All my pain is gone,

and Jesus took my tears.

Don’t cry for me,

This is not the end.

I’ll be waiting here for you,

when we meet again.