Remembering Leonard Wallace: A Life Lived for Community and Connection

And so, with heavy hearts, the Natchez community, in truth, bids farewell to one of its most steadfast pillars, Leonard Wallace, who departed this life on May 20, 2024, at the age of 79. His was a life, you see, deeply rooted in the very fabric of Natchez, a city he loved with an undeniable, quiet passion.

Born right there in Natchez on November 23, 1944, to Ollie Bell and Mary Ann Wallace, young Leonard was, from the very beginning, a true son of the soil. He navigated the halls of Natchez College High School, graduating with the class of 1962—a formative time, surely—before heading off to broaden his horizons at Southern University in Baton Rouge. Education, it seems, was always a priority.

But life, as it often does, called him to service and adventure. He answered that call by serving his country with distinction in the United States Air Force for four years. Following his military tenure, Leonard embarked on a new chapter, settling for many years in the vibrant metropolis of Los Angeles, California, where he carved out a successful career with the U.S. Postal Service. Yet, as so many do, the pull of home, of those familiar streets and faces, eventually proved irresistible. He returned to Natchez in the late 1990s, bringing with him a wealth of experience and an unyielding desire to give back.

And give back he did, with an energy and commitment that truly inspired. Leonard became, quite simply, indispensable to numerous organizations. He served with honor as the former president of the Natchez chapter of the NAACP, tirelessly championing civil rights and social justice—a cause, we can all agree, that remains as vital as ever. He was also a fiercely active member of the Natchez College Alumni Association, working to preserve its legacy, and lent his considerable wisdom to the board of the Historic Natchez Foundation, dedicated to safeguarding the city's rich past. Oh, and let's not forget his crucial role on the committee for the Natchez Civil Rights Trail; he helped ensure those stories would never, ever fade.

Beyond his civic duties, Leonard's faith was a cornerstone of his existence. A devoted member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, he wasn't merely a pew-sitter; no, he actively contributed, serving on various boards and committees, including the Trustee and Finance committees. His spiritual home was clearly as important to him as his physical one.

Leonard's personal life, too, was marked by love and connection. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Smith Wallace, a loss that undoubtedly left a profound void. He leaves behind his cherished daughter, Valerie Smith-Wallace, and his dear sister, Carolyn W. Chatman, to carry forward his memory. He also joins his brother, Larry Wallace, who passed before him. His legacy further extends to his nieces, Cheryl L. Chatman and Charla Chatman Wilson, and his nephew, Carlton Chatman, along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and a wide circle of relatives and friends who will surely miss his presence.

For those wishing to pay their respects and reflect on a life well-lived, a visitation will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Bateaste Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. A service to celebrate Leonard’s remarkable journey will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, with interment to follow at Natchez National Cemetery. It's a chance, really, for us all to remember a man who gave so much, a true testament to the power of community and service.