Christopher Wallace

Thomas Christopher Wallace, age 56, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, March 7, 2025, at Ashe Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Chris was born in Ashe County on Monday, November 11, 1968, to Tommy C. and Shirley Barker Wallace. Some may have seen him as handicapped, but those who truly knew him saw a life filled with joy, love, and boundless blessings. He had a gift for brightening any room with his laughter and presence, bringing happiness to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Tommy C. Wallace, on November 19, 2010, as well as his grandparents. He is survived by his devoted mother and caregiver, Shirley Barker Wallace; one aunt; and numerous cousins and extended family who cherished him dearly. The family would like to extend their upmost gratitude to Junior Eller, who provided phenomenal care to Chris.

Chris found joy in the simple pleasures of life—he was observant and full of curiosity, always eager to engage with those around him. He loved people, cherished Christmas time, and was a passionate Atlanta Braves fan. He also enjoyed good food, snacking, and taking car rides with his family—especially with his father. Now, they are once again riding together in Heaven, reunited in love and laughter.

In 1996 a friend of the family and housekeeper for the Wallace‘s, Colleen Rash wrote this wonderful tribute titled: 

"A Young Man"

I have to smile as I'm working for I'm thinking of the tales that this house could tell if it could talk. The tale of each and every piece of furniture, hand-picked and brought home and each put in its own special place. A place that when you stop and look around you can feel the peace that comes from each piece. If it could talk it would probably tell a story of someone sitting down at night before going to bed, beside a table and lamp and reading the Bible. Or of someone sitting in a chair by the window and looking out at the woods and watching the squirrels at play or listening to the birds chirping out their little songs. Oh, what tales this house could tell if it could but talk - tales of good and bad. But too, a tale of a boy who some call handicapped - but I call him blessed. Blessed because his is a world where there is only love.

His is a world where there is no killing or crimes being done. His is a world where he doesn't need to be afraid of someone he doesn't know. His is a world of happiness, love and laughter, a world that has no cares. His is a world that you can get caught up in - a world where when he laughs you want to laugh too. Yes, I call him blessed because he doesn't know and see all of the evil and sinful things that go on in this world in which we live in today. And yes, I call him blessed because God has blessed him with so much. A home that is filled with warmth and love, a loving mother and father that loves and cares for him. There are so many children that have none of this. Yes, he is blessed far beyond many others, for he has been blessed with a home filled with love and peace from God above. Yes, this house is more than just a house, it's a house that God has blessed with love - a love that can only come from God Himself, a love for each other that has made this house into a true home, a home where God dwells and where you can feel His divine love and peace as you come in the door. And my prayer is that with the love and help of God above it will continue to be this way for when you're inside its walls the world seems so far away and you can let go of your worries and let a smile come to your lips as you hear that "young man" laugh at who knows what.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Chris’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel, officiated by Rev. Lewis Young and Rev. Keith Wagoner. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Prayer at Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

The body will lie in state from 12:00-1:00pm one hour prior to the funeral service. The family will not be present during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials may be made to Generations Ashe, 180 Chattyrob Lane, West Jefferson, NC 28694; Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 421, Jefferson, NC 28640; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Chris’s life was a testament to the power of love and the joy found in everyday moments. His light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who loved him.