Dr. Paul Charles Wallace was a strong family man who was a cherished husband, beloved father, adored grandfather and doting great-grandfather. Professionally, he was a highly respected pastor, counselor, shepherd, preacher, visionary and leader who was well known throughout the Tulsa community and the Disciples of Christ denomination.

Born August 31, 1931, to John Claud and Alta Mae Wallace, Paul grew up in Van Buren, Arkansas. He was the second of three children--brother, J. Claud Wallace (deceased), and sister, Sabra Rae Howard.

Known for his speed, Paul played Varsity football at Van Buren High School. After graduation, he attended Phillips University in Enid, OK, where he received his Bachelor's degree with dreams of becoming a minister. Paul attended Phillips Graduate Seminary for two years before transferring to Brite Seminary at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. He received his Master of Divinity degree in 1957 and was honored with an honorary Doctorate by Phillips University in 1973.

Paul met the love of his life, Suzainne Barnard, who was also a student at Phillips. Paul and Suzainne married in 1953, immediately following Paul's graduation from undergrad. They shared 67 years of wonderful wedded life, full of laughter, family time, traveling the world, enjoying retirement years at their second home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and of course, a shared passion for Christ and the ministry.

Family meant everything to Paul. He had the honor and privilege of baptizing and officiating the weddings of all his children and many of his grandchildren. Even as the Wallace family grew through the years, they continued to regularly gather for Sunday lunches, vacation together and celebrate life events. For many years, the entire extended family lived in Tulsa but as some of the members moved to other parts of the country, holidays, weddings, graduations, and other special occasions were the call to gather and celebrate.

Paul and Suzainne have four children: Michael Paul Wallace, Cynthia Suzainne Tankersley, Stephen Charles Wallace, and Melissa Kay Bogle. Paul was especially fond of each of his children's spouses: Mary Randall Wallace, Jon Tankersley, Julie Wallace, and William "Bill" Bogle. They are also the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren: Shawn Wallace, Cameron Wallace, David Bellinger, Janae Castell, Katye LaNier, Max Bogle, Isaiah Wallace, Sabrina Villalon, and Micah Wallace. They also have 15 great-grandchildren.

Paul served churches in Cement, Oklahoma; Paris, Arkansas; Rogers, Arkansas; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the Senior Minister at East Side Christian Church for more than 31 years before retiring in 1995. Paul was especially passionate about community service and working with youth. He built the East Side Christian Church youth group from a weekly attendance of a few to more than 70 strong. He was a visionary in the 1970's and 1980's supporting a monthly contemporary praise and worship service. God's Singing Children was a place where the youth of the church could express themselves through contemporary music and drama and receive enthusiastic applause from the congregation. Paul also led the church in raising the money to build an activity center that served as a multipurpose building for youth activities, senior services and community gatherings.

After retirement, Paul did not retire. He served for one year as interim pastor at First Christian Church in Claremore, Oklahoma, in addition to filling the pulpit for other ministers so they could take vacations. Paul continued his ministry to those who were grieving by driving family cars for funeral services until he was 87. His love for young people continued after retirement as he volunteered with the Yale Avenue Christian Church youth group until 88.

Memorials contributions:

Please make checks payable to: Wallace SC&W
In memorandum: Academy For Leadership Development
1701 NW 193rd Circle
Edmond, Oklahoma 73012

Memorial service will be 2:00 P.M., Sunday, September 13, 2020 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233