Watson Wallace

Watson Irving Wallace, 92, fondly known as “The Appliance Doctor,” passed from this life to his eternal home on Tuesday morning, October 21, 2025, just 5 days after his wife of 68 years, Clare.

Born on June 21, 1933, in Port Jefferson, Long Island, New York, Irving was the son of the late Watson Samuel Wallace and Mary Bartholomew Wallace. His family moved to Virginia in 1935, and from then on, he proudly considered himself a Southerner.

He is survived by his four sons: Samuel, Stephen, David, and John, along with six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Irving is now reunited with his beautiful wife of 68 years, Clare Davis Wallace, as well as his parents and his two brothers, Ernest R. Wallace and Vernon B. Wallace. In heaven, by Clare’s side, he will also cherish time with his granddaughter, Ellie Marie Wallace, and his great-grandson, Samuell Terrance Grace.

After completing a course in refrigeration and air conditioning in 1958 at Danville Technical Institute in Danville, Virginia, Irving worked on major appliances until opening Wallace Appliance Service in July 1968. He continued operating the business faithfully until February 2014.

Irving was a member of Timberlake Baptist Church. Outside of his work, he enjoyed cutting and splitting wood, often sharing it generously with those in need.

In lieu of flowers, it was Irving’s wish that gifts be directed to Hope Aglow Ministries (https://www.hopeaglow.com/donate/).

Now that both Irving and Clare are together again at home in heaven after 68 years of marriage, a joint celebration of his life will be held at Timberlake Baptist Church, 21395 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, on November 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will follow the service.

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