Joseph Leonard Wallace, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the afternoon hours of July 16, 2025. He passed away peacefully in the home he loved surrounded by family.

He was born on December 09, 1935, in the Duplin County town of Teachey, the only child of Joseph Leonard Wallace, Sr. and Eunice Wells Wallace. He greatly admired his father and adored his mother, who often called him Sonny.

At the age of 5, Joe Jr. and his parents moved "down the railroad tracks" to Wallace, where he spent his formative years surrounded by extended family, classmates and some exceptional friends.  He frequently recalled his childhood and teenage years spent in Wallace with great fondness, having produced life-long, special friendships.

After graduation from Wallace High School in 1954, where he excelled in sports, he attended East Carolina College and began a long devotion and love for the Pirates, that he later passed down to his family.

In 1957, Joe, Jr. began his banking career at The Bank of Eastern North Carolina in Wallace.  A few short years later he would meet the love of his life, Judith Blake Wallace, after she started working at the bank.  They married in 1963, and enjoyed 62 years of marriage until her passing in January 2025.  He dearly loved Judy and her passing greatly affected him.  She was his life partner and supported him in all his endeavors.  They were a perfect team and a shining example of true devotion and love.

In 1973, their family moved to Sanford and began a journey with some exceptional friends to start Mid-South Bank and Trust, where he served as President and later CEO and Chairman of the Board.  Together, working with their very special Mid-South Family, the bank flourished and quickly grew from 1 branch in Sanford to several across the Sandhills and Central portions of North Carolina.  He and Judy often spoke of how very fortunate they were to be associated with Mid-South Bank and all the remarkable people who made up their "Bank Family."

Joe, Jr. was a loyal and supporting father to his three children and their spouses throughout every station of their lives, putting their needs ahead of his own.  He always wanted to know everything that was going on in their lives, helping them navigate all the highs and lows, something he did with his grandchildren as well.

For many years Joe, Jr. and Judy were members of First Baptist Church in Sanford and after returning full-time to his hometown of Wallace in 2014, they joined Wallace Presbyterian Church.

Joe, Jr. is survived by his beloved children Lynn Alexander (Matt), Blake Wallace (Leah) and Dave Wallace (Kendra).  Also surviving him are his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who he adored, Winston Barger (Matt), Morgan Benningfield (Drew), Wells Wallace, Joe Wallace, III, Kaylie Robinson, Camden Wallace, Lawson Benningfield, Tate Benningfield, Beau Barger and Bennett Barger.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or the building fund of the Wallace Presbyterian Church.

The family would like to express our sincere appreciation for all the prayers, calls, texts, cards, visits and food during the last several months.  Further, the family is truly grateful to Dr. Danny Pate and the entire Duplin County ECU Hospice Team.  Especially Shanda Bass, DeAnne Batchelor and Leigh Ann Underhill.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 am, at Rockfish Cemetery on Highway 41 in Wallace.  Casual, purple and gold dress is encouraged.