He was born July 21, 1941 in Deepwater, West Virginia. Johnny loved the Lord and was baptised at a young age at Summerlee First Baptist. Johnny grew up in Summerlee, WV, attended various schools of the blind. Despite several physical disabilities Johnny was a trailblazer throughout West Virginia. A strong advocate for those with disabilities he attended conferences and seminars speaking on their needs and rights. He was a frequent participant in the Special Olympics, if not participating as an athlete he was there as an organizer or spokesperson. Johnny returned from one event wearing a t-shirt with the slogan "You Can Do It In A Wheelchair". That moto reflected Johnny's attitude towards life, he didn't allow anything to slow him down or to stop the work he needed to do.
Johnny was a brilliant man and a prolific writer. In his twenty's and thirty's he penned several articles, essays and poems often on the subject of local, state and world events. His nieces served as his secretaries, and he demanded that they got his words correct and kept in the context he intended. One of his greatest works was a poem in tribute to the Silver Bridge disaster which claimed over forty lives when it fell in Point Pleasant West Virginia in December 1967. Because of his powerful depiction of this tragedy and its emotional impact on the area Johnny received a national commendation of service from President Lyndon B Johnson in 1968.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Juanita; brothers Frederrick, Charles, William, Delmar, Watson, Jr (June), Emory and Augustine Sr; sister-in-laws, Eloise and Bertha.
He is survived by his brothers Judson of Kimberly and Joseph (Jean) of Buffalo, NY ; sister, Lonzetta Massie of Flint, MI; sister-in-laws, Queen of Harlem Heights, WV., Monsa of Puerto Rico, Rebecca of Summerlee, WV, and Delores of Harlem Heights, WV, a host of nieces, nephews, great, great-great and even some third great nieces and nephews and his dear classmates and friends from Mountain State Center for Independent Living. All left to share and cherish loving memories of him.
Friends may gather with the family Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home from 12-1pm.
Funeral service will be held 1pm, Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home with Pastor Joseph Wallace officiating.
Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com.
Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, has the honor of serving the Wallace family.
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