Katherine Wallace was born March 4, 1929. She ran into the arms of Jesus on Friday, September 18, 2026, and was welcomed at Heaven’s gates by her husband of 53 years, Garland “Buck” Wallace; her son, Gene Wallace; and many loved ones who went on before her.
Katherine Wallace “Kat” lived a life that spoke for itself—steady, faithful, and deeply rooted in her daily walk with Christ. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren more than anything, and in countless quiet ways she became the anchor that held everyone together. Though her spirit was gentle and unassuming, her presence carried a lasting strength, and her life left a mark on her family and on the world around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend—often the quiet comfort others turned to when it was needed most.
She is survived by her daughter, Eleanor Cantrell (Bruce); her daughter-in-law, Vanda Wallace; her grandchildren, Karen DeLee (Tim); Rachael Mitchell (Derek); Josh Cantrell (Jennifer); Leigh Varner; Christy Sanders (Matt); Terry Wallace (Raeden); and Greg Varner; her great grandchildren, Eleana Mitchell; Marti Annamunthodo; Malakai Mitchell; Hagan DeLee; Lani Varner; Daisy Mitchell; Brenton Cantrell; Jaci Wallace; Mava Mitchell; Blayton Cantrell; Laramie Wallace; Clayton Varner; Jake Scott; and Stella Scott. Kat was so special that she lived to earn the title of Great-Great Grandmother to Lucy Annamunthodo and Riley Wallace.
In addition to her parents, Joshua and Ida Lee Smith, she was preceded in death by her husband, Garland “Buck” Wallace; her son, Gene Wallace; 4 sisters, and 8 brothers.
Visitation will be held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150, on September 21, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home on September 22, 2026, at 1:00 pm with Bro. Calvin Thornton and Bro. Donnie Blackmon officiating. Interment will follow at Talladega Springs Cemetery, Sylacauga Fayetteville Highway, Sylacauga.
Pallbearers will be Josh Cantrell, Terry Wallace, Malakai Mitchell, Hagan DeLee, Coleby Annamunthodo, Tim DeLee, Derek Mitchell, Brenton Cantrell, Blayton Cantrell, Greg Varner, Clayton Varner, and Jake Sanders.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Kelly Strickland, Gina, Melissa, and the entire ACG Hospice group, and to her sister and friend, Gwen Phillips. Gwen — “thank you” will never be enough for the love you have poured into Mawmaw and the entire family. You are a “Godsend.”
