Billy Wallis

Billy Wallis, age 88, was born in Navasota, Texas, and also lived in New Iberia, LA for over 50 years, and in Dandridge, TN the past three years until his death on Friday, April 15, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Wier Lessie Wallis and four brothers and five sisters. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Ware Wallis; son, William T. Wallis; daughter, Caroline Goddard (Doug); grandchildren, Douglas (Leanne), Catherine, and Ben (Leigh); and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Mr. Wallis was a graduate of Navasota High School, and attended Sam Houston State Teachers College where he played football. He also played football and graduated from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now known as University of Louisiana Lafayette)where he was a member of the 1944 National Championship Team. He graduated with an M. Ed from Louisiana State University of Baton Rouge. He worked in the Iberia Parish Schools in New Iberia, LA for 30 years as a physical education teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. He also volunteered his time as a Boy Scout leader and coach in various sports and in the AAU girls? track and basketball. Lt. Col. Wallis also served in the US Marine Corps in World War II in the South Pacific, China, and Japan, and in the Korean War. He retired from the US Marine Corps Reserves after 25 years of service. After retirement, he worked as a volunteer and trainer for the American Red Cross, was past president of the LA Society Sons of the American Revolution, and was active in his home church, the Church of the Epiphany Episcopal Church, In New Iberia, Louisiana. The last three years of his life, he and his wife of 64 years have lived with their daughter and son-in-law and have attended First United Methodist Church in Dandridge. The receiving of friends will be held at this church from 5:00 ? 7:00 PM on Sunday, April 17, with the funeral service to follow at 7:00. The graveside service will be held with military honors provided by the US Marine Corps at Hillcrest Cemetery in Dandridge on Monday, April 18, at 10:00 AM. The Rev. Jay Ferguson will officiate at both services. Farrar Funeral Home of Dandridge is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to Church of the Ephiphany, 303 West Main Street, New Iberia, LA 70560-3698; First United Methodist, PO Box 8, Dandridge, TN 37725, or the American Red Cross. ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME IN DANDRIDGE, TN (865) 397-2711