Charles Stuart "Sonny" Wallace, Jr.

Charles “Sonny” Stuart Wallace, III, went to Heaven on March 7, 2024 at the age of 90. A native Houstonian, Sonny was born on October 11, 1933 and was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church.  A man whose heart and soul were committed to his family and friends, Sonny was loved and cherished by all who knew him.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Mary Edna “Nebbie” Wallace, his wife of 40 years, Patricia Walker Wallace, his grandson, Wilson Wallace Wilde, and his sister Joanne Wallace Stark. Sonny is survived by his wife, Harriet Hart, his children and grandchildren, Marian Wallace Briscoe and husband Brian, Charles, William, Elizabeth and husband David Coon; Margaret Wallace Rotan and husband Doug, Patricia and husband Will Pollard, Mary Margaret, and Douglas Rotan; Tish Wallace Peterkin and husband George, Mimi and husband Matt Seely, and James Wilde; Stuart Wallace and wife Susannah, Stuart, Leila Rose, Emma and Joanie; Step-daughter, Meredith and husband Mark Barineau, Hudson  and Elizabeth, and his brother John Wilkins Wallace and wife Cynthia; numerous nieces, nephews, their families and extended family.

Lovingly nicknamed “Sunshine” by his mother at a young age, Sonny attended Mirabeau B. Lamar High School, and was a member of their Texas State Championship basketball team in 1951.  He then attended The University of Texas at Austin. A diehard Longhorn, Sonny rarely missed a football game either in person or on TV. If there was any Longhorn sporting event to watch on TV, you could count on him watching it!  A member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Sonny treasured his days at UT and at the “Phi Gam” house.  After graduation from college, Sonny served in the Army for 2 years stationed in Germany in the intelligence branch.  Upon returning to Houston, Sonny began a life-long career at Wallace Company, Inc. Sonny was a dedicated, fun and amazing husband and father. A generous host to a multitude of friends of all ages, Sonny led the fishing and beach trips in Port O’Connor, country music-filled volleyball games and cookouts at the Cuerno Verde Ranch, hunting excursions at the lease in Hebbronville, countless fun evenings in the Kirby Drive home, and wonderful family trips of all sorts. Sonny always kept family time at the center of his life.  He said numerous times, “the best money I have ever spent is on time with my family.” He will always be our “Sunshine.”

Playing golf and fishing in Port O’Connor were Sonny’s two personal favorite activities.  Sonny adored wading the endless flats, quickly becoming a tiny “spec” on the horizon trying to avoid “potlickers”, unless he was graciously teaching the novices his skills.  His time on the golf course at River Oaks Country Club as well as a many other places he visited to play golf brought him great joy. An endless supporter of his children’s passions also, Sonny encouraged and attended all of his children’s activities from field hockey, football and basketball games, to theater and musical performances, to cheerleading and endless golf tournaments.  As a grandfather, “Grandaddy” was an integral part of his grandchildren’s lives.  He instilled in them his great joy and love for family.  They all loved him dearly.

Beautifully combining their two families, Sonny and his wife Harriet enjoyed their “golden years” together with numerous family dinners and celebrations, traveling, dinner with friends, singing and dancing, and playing golf and bridge. They had a large circle of friends, connecting with old friends and making new ones.

Our family gives the deepest thanks to Jeanette Thomas-Hutchins and her team of caregivers. Jeanette’s attention to every detail of care, her classy sense of humor and great joy were a gift to us all, especially to Sonny.

After a private internment, friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Service for Sonny on Tuesday, March 26th  at 11:30 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street, Houston, Texas. Pallbearers are Charles Briscoe, William Briscoe, David Coon, Douglas Rotan, Will Pollard, Jake Peters, James Wilde, Matt Seely, Stuart Wallace, and Hudson Barineau. Honorary Pallbearers are Ann Pullen, John Wallace, W.D. Tucker, Milton Black, Larry Hall, and Ned Earle.  There will be a reception immediately following the service in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice.

The First Presbyterian Church staff has prepared a livestream to air via this link (Password is "memorial"): https://fpchouston.org/ministries/adults/memorials-and-memorial-garden/