Albert J. Wallace

Albert James Wallace, son of the late Deacon James Albert Wallace and Deaconess Violet Kelly Wallace, was born on January 25, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 2013.

Albert, affectionately known as “Al” and to his immediate family as “Bunky,” was educated in the Baltimore City School System and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in February 1958.

Al enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 18, 1958, with aspirations of becoming a pilot. Although he was never afforded that opportunity, he never lost his love of aviation. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and was subsequently stationed at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged on June 15, 1962. Al thoroughly enjoyed serving time overseas and often spoke fondly of those years. For the rest of his life, when asked what his favorite color was, he would always respond, “Air Force blue”.

Al was blessed to find love twice. In 1965, he married Irene Virgie Darden. From that union was born Michael Kevin Wallace on April 6, 1970. Their marriage was dissolved in 1972. In 1975, Al married Ann Marie McCord. They were married for ten years.

Al was employed at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for 58 years, from 1962 until his retirement in 2020. He rarely missed time from work, and he frequently worked overtime hours. Over his long career at SSA, he formed many lasting friendships, and the people he worked with truly became like a second family. In the late 80s, Al also worked part-time at BWI Airport as a checkpoint screener. He worked at BWI for approximately thirteen years. In particular, he loved working on E Pier and watching the international flights come through, especially the flight attendants.

Al was very sociable and had many friends from all walks of life. In his early adult years, he enjoyed bowling and was an avid amateur photographer. He was also a huge sports fan, with his favorite sport being NFL football. He did not like to be interrupted when his favorite NFL team was playing. He also enjoyed watching college basketball, especially the Georgetown Hoyas men’s team and the UConn Huskies women’s team. In recent years, Al became an avid fan of the WNBA. In general, Al loved watching TV. If he wasn’t watching football, college basketball, or one of his favorite shows, then you could rest assured that he was probably watching CNN.

Al’s greatest joy in life was being a father to Michael. He was devoted to Michael and cared for him for many years as a single father (with some assistance from his mom and his sisters). He made every effort to make sure that Michael had every opportunity, even if it meant working two jobs. He fully supported Michael’s interests, particularly Michael’s love of soccer. Al tirelessly transported Michael up and down the East Coast for various ‘away’ soccer tournaments. He also made sure that Michael was able to accompany his team to Canada and England. Michael was the first in our family to get a passport.

Al not only provided for Michael financially, but he also instilled values in Michael such as the importance of education, a strong work ethic, establishing lasting friendships, and a true devotion to family. In his final years, Al moved from Baltimore, MD, to Arlington, VA, to be closer to Michael and his family.

Al’s second joy was his grandson, Isaac Theodore Wallace (born February 20, 2020), son of Michael and Michael’s wife, Elizabeth. Isaac had a special name for Al, calling him “AhAh”. Al loved watching Isaac play and sharing ice cream. Although their time together was a short six years, it was loving and impactful.

Al, “Bunky”, leaves to cherish his memory his loving son, Michael Wallace; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Berard; grandson Isaac Wallace; sisters Violet Baxter and Karen McCoy; brother-in-law, Larry McCoy; nieces, Denise, Maisha, Ayana and Kimya (Jason); great-nieces and great-nephews, Noelle, Bailey, Bradley, Nicolas, Kennedy, Kahlil, and Jahlia; a host of family and friends.