Opal Wallace

Opal Evelyn Wallace, formerly of Weslaco, TX, was born February 12, 1921 in Sash, TX (Fannin County) to Raymond Earl Byrd and Margie Lena Manuel Byrd and passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2016 in Grand Prairie, TX. She grew up in east and northwest Texas and graduated from WF George High School in Iowa Park, TX in 1939. She attended Hardin Junior College, now Midwestern University, in Wichita Falls, TX. She was employed by the State Department of Public Welfare in Wichita Falls and later by Sheppard Air Force Base. There she served as a clerk typist and met the love of her life, Donald Kent (Country) Wallace, who was a Staff Sergeant, stationed at Sheppard. They were married August 8, 1943 and upon Country’s discharge in 1946, made their home in Weslaco, TX.

Spending many years as a homemaker/housewife, Opal later became employed by the Weslaco Independent School District from 1966-1986. She served many positions in Sunday School and WMU at First Baptist Church in Weslaco. After retirement, she and Country spent several years traveling and enjoying time in their airstream trailer, especially spending many summers in the cooler climate of Cloudcroft, NM. After Country’s passing in 2005, Opal moved to Arlington, TX in 2008 and later to Grand Prairie, TX to be near her daughter and family.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Kenneth Ray Byrd of Martinez, California, and her loving husband.

Opal is survived by her son, Richard Wallace and wife, Dianna, of Waco, TX; daughter Nancy Prahl and husband, Jere, of Grand Prairie, TX. She is survived by six grandchildren: Daniel Mary and wife, Natalie, of Pearland, TX; Adam Mary and wife, Kayla, of Hewitt, TX; Shawna Roscom of College Station, TX; Andrew Prahl and wife, Victoria, of McKinney TX; Courtney Prahl of Fort Worth, TX; and Brian Prahl of Bowling Green, KY. She is survived by three great grandchildren: Luke Daniel Mary, Troy Prahl and Hannah Prahl. She is survived by her sister, Joyce Hallum of Wichita Falls, TX, sisters-in-law, Faye Wallace Butsch of Dallas, TX and Marvene Wallace of Kerville, TX, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the following Nonprofit organizations Opal supported as a result of her grandchildren's service, dedication, and affiliation: (1) JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) 3601 Hulen Street, STE 102, Fort Worth, TX 76107 (2) Cornerstone Ranch Special Needs Community, 3933 CR 317, McKinney, TX 75069.

Visitation will be from 5-8pm on Monday, May 30, 2016, at McCaleb Funeral Home, 904 West 4th Street, Weslaco, TX 78596. Graveside services will be at 10am on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Valley Memorial Gardens, 3605 North Taylor RD, McAllen, TX 7857

Funeral arrangements are under the care of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.