Gabriel Robert Wallace, 80, died unexpectedly Monday night at his home in Huntsville, Alabama. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Elnora (Huffines) Wallace; his daughter, Pamela Jane Wallace; his son, Jeffrey Wayne Wallace and wife, Gina; grandson, Jonathan Wallace Nelson; sister, Dr. Zella Wells; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
The son of Robert and Jane Wallace, he was born in Wayland, KY, and was raised in Prestonburg, KY. In his early years, he was active in the Boy Scouts and reached the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Kentucky. In 1958, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He would later earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University.
He began his career with Chrysler Corporation, but most of his career was with NASA in Huntsville. During his career he felt privileged to work on many Army and NASA programs.
He loved his adopted state of Alabama, and made it his home for 58 years. However, he so loved the hills of eastern Kentucky and enjoyed sharing stories about hikes in those beloved hills, and sharing stories of close friends and family members who were miners. He was proud to be a Kentucky Colonel and a University of Kentucky “Wildcat” fan.
Family and friends knew him as a man of unquestioned integrity. He was an ethical, honest, truthful and loyal American who loved his family, friends and country.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, November 17 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, with the service to follow in the chapel.
He requested in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to The Boy Scouts of America.
