Randall Eugene Wallace

On Oct. 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, Randall Eugene Wallace, known to his friends as Randy, departed this world peacefully at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Mo. He was born to James and Maxine Wallace on May 7, 1951, in Nevada, Mo. Randy’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and a deep love for his family.

Randy married the love of his life, Sandy, on May 17, 1975. Together, they raised their two daughters, Lindsay and Lanette. The Wallaces were a close family and Randy’s commitment to his wife and daughters was unwavering. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Maxine, his brother Richard, and his beloved daughter, Lanette.

Randy’s professional journey began as a teenager when he started working at the business started by his father, Wallace Electric. Over the years, he honed his skills alongside Jim and eventually took over the business with his wife, Sandy, in 1981. Randy’s commitment to his work was a testament to his strong work ethic and his desire to provide for his family. His white Wallace Electric truck was a familiar sight around town as they continued to operate the business together up until his death along with their valued employee, Steve Fleener.

In his leisure time, Randy was a man of many passions. He enjoyed weekends and holidays out on the lake, soaking in the tranquility of the water and the thrill of boating. For years, he served as the Nevada Speedway announcer, entertaining audiences with his vibrant commentary and recognizable voice. He had a love for anything racing including dirt track stock car races, enduro races, demolition derbies, and motocross racing. Randy’s love for motorcycles started at the age of 7 and he could be found out on two wheels every chance he got. He was recognizable on his roulette green Triumph Tiger cruising (or speeding) through town with his best friend, Brent Ernsbarger. He also relished motorcycle trips with friends and family and took many through the years with Sandy. He enjoyed joining other riders from all over at the Tiger rallies in Jasper, Ark., each fall. Classic cars were another one of Randy’s passions, and he was an active member of the Nevada Cruisers, proudly displaying his father’s meticulously polished El Camino.

Yet, Randy’s ultimate source of happiness in life stemmed from being a “Pa Pa” to his five adoring grandchildren - Owen, Molly, Rand, Eli, and Oscar. He reveled in passing on his passion for motorcycles (and his onerousness) to the next generation.

Randy will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Sandy; daughter, Lindsay, and her husband, Josh, of Springfield; son-in-law, Zach, of Nevada; grandchildren; and a circle of friends and extended family.

In honor of Randy’s memory, a visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m., at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, Mo.