Billy Joe Wallace, age 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 in Lexington.
Born on June 1, 1934, Billy Joe Wallace was the ninth of ten children born to Bert Lee and Bessie Ann Britt Wallace. He was raised with the values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life.
Billy Joe began farming as a young boy, working the fields behind a team of mules long before modern equipment became common. Those early years shaped the strong work ethic and determination for which he would always be known.
Around the age of 35, he began a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department, starting as a deputy and working his way to Chief Deputy over the next 12 years. He later joined the Lexington Police Department, where he served for another 28 years, eventually earning the rank of Sergeant. Over the course of his more than 40-year career in law enforcement, Billy Joe worked thousands of cases. He was proud to say he “never left a case unsolved” and always “got my man.” Remarkably, throughout his entire career, he never once discharged his weapon — a testament to his calm judgment, wisdom, and respect for human life.
Outside of his work, Billy Joe had a lifelong love for bluegrass music that began around the age of 14 when he met Bill Monroe. That meeting sparked a passion for bluegrass that remained close to his heart for the rest of his life.
Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Terry Joe Wallace; two grandchildren, Anthony Sims and Nicholas Grisham; son-in-law, Wes Miller; daughter-in-law, Pat Wallace; four brothers, Melvin, Murray, D. L., and Cletus Wallace; and five sisters, Inez, Louise, V. Elizabeth, Ruby, and Ruthie Dean Wallace.
He leaves behind his children, Vic Wallace, Sammy Wallace (Paulette), Beverly Hatcher (Donnie), Debra Goodman, Shelby Fincher (Mancel), Lilly Osborn (Travis), Pam Miller (Vance), and Tina Berryman (Ray); 20 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; extended family, friends, fellow officers, and all who knew him to cherish his memory and carry forward the lessons he shared so freely: to be honest, work hard, be fair, and always do the right thing — even when no one is watching.
His legacy of integrity, service, and quiet strength will not be forgotten.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1 PM, Saturday, May 23, 2026 in the chapel of Pafford Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Palestine Presbyterian Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, 2-8 PM and on Saturday, 10 AM – 1 PM.
