Wallace S. Green, Sr.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

It is with profound sadness and deep respect that we announce the passing of WallACE S. Green Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and pillar of the community. Affectionately known as "ACE" or "Chief," he was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

WallACE was born on Saturday, January 17, 1953, in Baltimore, MD, as the third child and first son to the late Samuel Green and Annie Mae Green. He committed his life to Christianity at an early age and was baptized at New Union Baptist Church in Baltimore by Reverend S.A. Harrington. WallACE and Sandra Howard were joined in holy matrimony on May 2, 1999, under the spiritual leadership of the late Reverend George H. Henry. They were blessed with a blended family, Tanisha Green, Wallace Green Jr., Kelsey Howard, Lonnie White Jr., and Renae Tinsley.

He graduated in 1971 from Edmondson High School in Baltimore, MD and went on to earn multiple degrees across several disciplines: an Associate of Arts in Radio/TV from the Community College of Baltimore (1976), an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Tidewater Community College (1985), and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Saint Leo University (1996).

In June 1971, WallACE enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably until retirement. He embarked on a lifelong mission to spread love, hope, and equality. Demonstrating his multifaceted talents, he volunteered as an announcer on the Armed Forces Radio Television Service to assist Vietnam sailors and soldiers and later worked as a popular radio personality and DJ on KOAD in Hanford, California. As the first Black Chief-In-Charge of the Career Information Team, WallACE was hand-selected to serve as a race relations facilitator, working to improve morale and equal representation within the U.S. Armed Forces. He earned 24 service medals, campaigns, and awards, including being named "Recruiter of the Year" seven times during a seven-year tour. His efforts to improve lives across the nation also earned him the esteemed commission of “The Honorable Kentucky Colonel.” After retiring from the Navy, WallACE continued his career of service, working as a Claims Agent for the Veterans Administration and as a Disabled Veteran Vocations Outreach Specialist for the Virginia Employment Commission until his civilian retirement.

Driven by his health journey, he dedicated his post-retirement life to aiding seniors, veterans, and underserved communities. In 2011, he founded the 501(c)(3) organization,

Health & Awareness – Saving Kidneys, which hosted community health fairs, expos, and COVID-19 food drives. He was an Ambassador for Donate Life Virginia & LifeNet Health, an advocate for the American Diabetes Association, Dialysis Patient Citizens, National Kidney Foundation, and a certified Kidney Health Coach. He authored the guide, Why Not Me, to help prevent kidney disease, and was honored with the Community Service Award in 2023 for chronic kidney disease awareness.

WallACE also leaves behind a rich historical legacy. He was featured in the Hampton Roads Naval Museum's "The Ten Thousand Day War at Sea: Navy Vietnam" exhibit from 2022 to 2024. Furthermore, he was interviewed about his experiences with race relations during the 1972 USS Kitty Hawk conflict, which was featured on the Smithsonian Channel documentary series Combat Ships in 2024.

WallACE was a testament to extraordinary resilience. Despite being exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, leading to a cancer battle he overcame four times, two kidney transplants, 24 surgeries, and eight years on dialysis, his faith and desire to live never wavered.

Outside of his community work, WallACE found joy in music. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, his deep-rooted faith and unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered.

Preceding WallACE in death are his parents Samuel and Annie Mae Green; brother, Donell, blended siblings James Green, Lillian Warner, and Juanita Green; blended children Renae and Lonnie Jr.

WallACE leaves behind his devoted wife, Sandra Green; their children, Tanisha Green, Wallace Green Jr., and Kelsey Howard; seven grandchildren, Tytiana, Taquon, Elijah, Cameron, Lanier, Kelim, and Kalynne; and one great-grandchild, Aubree. He is also survived by his siblings, Rosie, Patricia, Mattie, Diane, Ronald, and Jackie; brother-in-law, Lewis; sisters-in-law, Jill, Beverly, Phyllis, and Mattie; alongside a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who adored him dearly and shared in his joyful spirit.

His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends and many more whose lives were touched by him. WallACE would want everyone to remember him not for the way his life ended but by the way he lived his life, and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

WallACE ‘s enduring legacy is one of unwavering service, resilience and compassion. His commitment to his faith and community was evident in his tireless volunteer work and advocacy, particularly in raising awareness of chronic kidney disease. WallACE was not only a dedicated Navy veteran but also a beacon of hope for many, leaving behind a legacy that his family and friends will cherish forever.

Although WallACE’s physical presence will no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all we do.

This obituary was thoughtfully written by WallACE prior to his death and completed by his loving family.

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:21 (NKJV)