Wallace Edward Karnes

Wallace Edward Karnes, 80, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born in Bedford on August 4, 1945, to the late Walter Clay Karnes and Margaret Mae Kane Karnes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Pat Karnes; sister, Betty Chilicki and daughters, Bettyann LaCroix and Nikki Karnes.

Wallace was a man’s man. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Wallace was also a huge sports fan. He served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War. Above all, Wallace had a heart of gold doing for all his neighbors before himself. You could always find him doing something for someone else without expecting anything in return. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Joann Karnes; daughter, Kimberly Karnes and two grandchildren; stepchildren, Deirdre Becker, Michael Ayres and wife, Nicole and Alan Ayres and wife, Christina; nine step-grandchildren; brothers, Walter Karnes and Jody Karnes; sisters, Pearl O’Hare and Mattie Cummings and sister-in-law, Karen Karnes.

A funeral mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church with the Father Nixon Negparanon officiating.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.