Ronald Edward Wallace, 64, of Memphis, passed away in his sleep early on July 24, 2023. Ron was born October 16, 1958, in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Jerry Edward & Frances Alene (Lawrence) Wallace. After a brief stint living in Los Angeles as a toddler, he and his family moved to Memphis where he lived the rest of his life. He was a 1976 graduate of Southmoor Baptist Academy and attended Freed-Hardeman College. He spent much of his professional life as a route salesman for a variety of food companies. Aside from this occupation, the focus of his life was his family and the church. Ron met the love of his life Karen Ann Coleman in high school and they stayed in touch from there, eventually dating and marrying on June 11, 1982 in an elopement at Getwell Church of Christ. This marriage produced three children whom he loved very much. Much of his time was spent in church work. He was a member at Getwell Church of Christ from the 1960s until 1982, then after a three-year period in Oklahoma City, from 1985 to present. He has served as a youth minister, associate minister, deacon, and elder there throughout the years. One could well describe him as the engine of that church, as he was always the one to organize events, vacuum hallways, greet visitors, teach class, preach a sermon, or essentially any other task that was needed to advance the Lord's kingdom. He loved to fellowship with fellow Christians. He spent so much time at church doing things over the years that the church building felt like a second home for his children while growing up. He was well known throughout churches in Memphis as one of the hardest working Christians around. His legacy will certainly last long after him in those areas. When he was not at church work, he could be found at Harding Academy where he very intentionally sent his children, primarily volunteering at track meets, attending football games, baseball games, basketball games, plays, choral concerts or other efforts on campus. He strongly supported their Christian mission in the city of Memphis. He loved his St. Louis Cardinals, who he often was found watching most nights at home, usually having a book in his lap. When he wasn't watching baseball, he was always interested in watching a western, particularly something starring John Wayne. He was voracious reader, usually of historical nonfiction and spiritually focused books. He was predeceased by four great-grandparents (Thomas & Bessie Wallace, Noah & Laura Bruce), two grandparents (S.R. & Ruth Wallace), a grand-aunt & uncle (Jodie & Bertie Clapp), and his father (Jerry Wallace). He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life his beloved wife Karen (Coleman) Wallace, mother Frances (Lawrence) Wallace, brother & sister-in-law Stanley & Dawn (Fichtel) Wallace, son & daughter in law Jacob E. & Becky (Halverson) Wallace, son Noah Wallace, all of Memphis, and his daughter & son-in-law June (Wallace) & Carter Ashby of Cookeville, as well as 13 cousins & 1 uncle. He is also remembered by hundreds of Christians he has impacted for good, particularly the dozens of young people to which he ministered over the years. Visitation will be at Forest Hill Funeral Home East (2440 Whitten Road) Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM and Friday, July 28, 2023 1 to 2 PM with the funeral to follow at 2 PM. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park South (2545 E Holmes Road).