John Carnwath Wallace, age 77, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2018 surrounded by his beloved family. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 11, 1941 to John Carnwath Wallace, Sr. and Lettie Brush Shorter, who both preceded him in death. John is survived by his cherished wife of 38 wonderful and loving years Sandi Smith Wallace, his children Jennifer (and Rob) Volatile, Joshua (and Karen) Wallace, Steven (and Andrea) Payne, grandchildren Isabella, Lauren, Jake, Smith, and Chase, his sisters Sue and Nancy, and brother, Thomas. John grew up in Pitman, NJ, graduating Pitman High School in 1961, and then attended Glassboro State College. He later lived in Springfield, VA and retired to North Myrtle Beach, SC.
John owned several businesses over his lifetime including Quaker City Stained Glass in Philadelphia, Carnwath & Wallace Construction, and Stonebridge Construction. He was an artist and craftsman in his work. John created and refurbished stained-glass windows at the Library of Congress, the Washington National Cathedral, and numerous churches, and later designed and built homes and additions. His custom carpentry and glass work projects were always completed with John’s artistic flair, attention to detail, and goal of perfection. "Wally" was never content to just sit still, so he was also the weekend manager at Burke Lake Golf and worked part-time in his retirement at West Marine, assisting him in partially funding his dream sailboat.
John could walk into any room and be friends with everyone within minutes. He had an easy laugh and an ever-ready smile, which won people’s hearts easily. The "NJ Cowboy" could always be spotted a mile away with a twinkle in his eye wearing his trademark white cowboy hat with elegance. He was known as the World’s Best Hugger, a Dancer Extraordinaire, and a True Gentleman. John enjoyed sailing, golf, watching NASCAR, and cheering on his Flyers and Eagles. "Big John" had the last laugh with all his Redskins, Giants, and Cowboys friends this past year when the Eagles bested them all and won the Super Bowl! "John Boy" was an incredible cook and enjoyed preparing delicious meals for family and friends, passing down family recipes and secrets. He loved Thanksgiving and initiated the family tradition of cooking both a fried and baked turkey. His pie crusts were the best in the world!
Many of John’s friendships, if not all, lasted his lifetime. "Pasquale" and his Pitman buddies happily maintained their childhood friendships throughout the years. Stories of the Ocean City “Boat Trips” are legendary. Jamboree in the Hills started as a few friends camping, drinking beer, and listening to country music for a long weekend which turned into an annual pilgrimage with multiple lifelong friends from Virginia, Ohio, and West Virginia. John was the Social Director of the Parkdale Crew and the memories of pig roasts and block parties, picnics and weekends at Pohick, bowling, card games, as well as their infamous neighborhood crab feasts on Winding Way are times that will never be forgotten. John’s humor was extremely well-known, from Halloween pranks to requests at the door of new neighbors to meet “The Captain of the House”. Who would have guessed that John's teasing of Tracy after a neighborhood party would lead to the laughter and tears of a new extended family and 38 years of Thanksgivings, beach vacations, and love?
In retirement John realized his lifelong dream when he and Sandi bought a sailboat. After John spent countless hours preparing the boat for an ocean voyage, the Captain and his 1st Mate (John’s only chance to truly be the Captain) set sail on the open seas, living on their boat, and wintering in the Florida Keys. After their sailing adventures, John and Sandi anchored into their dream home in North Myrtle Beach. John eagerly used his construction skills to make home improvements everywhere, designing and creating with loving attention to detail. Together, John and Sandi created a beautiful home for their family to enjoy for years to come. John could often be seen puttering around on his lawn tractor, mowing the grass, or visiting with neighbors. John’s favorite place in the house was his self-professed Man Cave, a screened-in porch overlooking his lake. Sitting there, John would wait for his favorite white heron to pass by the lake’s edge while smoking a cigar (with an occasional adult beverage) and watch his NASCAR with a contented smile on his handsome face.
In addition to his Princess Sandi, John loved all of his children very deeply and was extremely proud of each of them. John adored his grandchildren and he loved nothing more than being Pop Pop to his five wonderful grandchildren. He loved passing on to them the love of nature that he instilled in his children through years of wonderful walks through the woods in NJ and VA.
Precious Husband, Beloved Father, and Lifelong Friend, we will forever miss his light, love, and laughter.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Arthritis National Research Foundation or the Horry County Fire Fighter Relief Fund.
A Celebration of Life in John’s honor for his family and friends will be held in the North Myrtle Beach area on Saturday, November 3, 2018.
A guestbook is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.
Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.
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