Jack Dale Wallis

Jack Dale Wallis, 73, passed away on April 18, 2024 in Knoxville, TN with his immediate family at his side. He was born in Memphis, TN on November 19, 1950. After graduating from Whitehaven High School he attended Tennessee Tech University and later graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After working at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Mississippi in the late 1970's he began a 35-year career with Alstom Power in Birmingham and Knoxville. In addition to domestic power plant projects, Jack traveled for Alstom to Taiwan, Czech Republic, and Italy. He thought highly of his colleagues and looked forward to their continuing gatherings as retirees. As young adults, Jack and his wife-to-be, Bonnie, were acquainted with each other at Whitehaven High School and Whitehaven United Methodist Church in Memphis. They reconnected after finishing college and were married in 1973. Jack's interests were many. He loved music of all genres and enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. Backpacking in the Smoky Mountains with friends was a special love, and, at times, a challenge. (He only got lost once.) Gardening, fishing, woodworking, and riding his Harley were other favorite pastimes. He was active in the Shelby County (AL) Amateur Radio Club for many years. He loved to bake, and if you were an Alstom employee with a birthday on a workday, you might have been the recipient of an apple cake from the Wallis kitchen. In later years Jack could be overheard on the phone with "Brother Jeff," solving electrical, mechanical, and automotive conundrums, or with "Sis" Jane as they discussed honing their watercolor painting skills. He made regular telephone rounds to check up on distant friends and relatives, and lived for the next time he could see April, Lily, and Laurel. Jack was predeceased by his son, Neal Allen Wallis, and his parents, Jack and Evelyn Wallis. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bonnie Wallis; daughter April Barker (Jody); granddaughters Lily Barker and Laurel Barker; sister Jane Estes (Dan) and family; brother Jeffery (Deda) and family; and beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jack attended the Episcopal Church of the Ascension. The funeral service will be held there on Saturday, May 11, 1:00 p.m., 800 South Northshore, Knoxville, TN 37919. The Rev. Christopher Hogin and The Rev. SuZanne Seavey will officiate. Following the service and interment in Ascension's Columbarium, the family will receive friends in the church's Parish Hall. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Jack Dale Wallis

November 19, 1950 - April 18, 2024