Ray Wallace

Ray Wallace, 69, of Albany, Georgia, passed away on May 5, 2025. Born on March 8, 1956, in Albany, Ray was a son, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a friend to many — and he was deeply loved.

Ray is survived by his son, Jack Wallace, and daughter-in-law Cherie of Macon, GA. He also leaves behind his sister, Shirley Wallace Clay of Cullman, AL, and three nieces: Amber Stephens Graham of Valdosta, GA, Jennifer Stephens of Albany, GA, and Melissa Smathers of Rome, GA.

He now rests alongside loved ones who passed before him: his parents, Rayburn “Jack” Wallace and Jean Miller Wallace; his sisters, Vicky Wallace Stephens and Deborah Wallace Connell; and his nephews, Jason Carney and Ray Smathers.

Ray grew up in Albany and graduated from Albany High School in 1974, where he was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball, and football. His competitive spirit and love for sports stayed with him his whole life — especially when it came to cheering on Alabama football (Roll Tide!). After high school, he went on to attend Albany Junior College, and later built a career in sales that took him across Georgia and Alabama, including Albany, Athens, Valdosta, and Huntsville. Those who knew Ray will remember his big personality, infectious sense of humor, and natural gift for conversation. He could strike up a chat with just about anyone — and by the end of it, they usually left smiling. He had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and welcomed.

Ray’s warmth will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in the many stories, memories, and laughs he gave to the people fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Aspire Behavioral Health Services where at one time, Ray found sobriety, faith, and worked counseling others. The family hopes that his tragedy will help other people find their own sobriety.