William "Rick" Richard Wallace

William “Rick” Richard Wallace, 59, of Troy, Missouri, passed away suddenly on May 18, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Lincoln in Troy, Missouri. Rick was born and raised in Bonne Terre, Missouri, and spent the past 20+ years living in Troy, building a life filled with laughter, resilience, and unforgettable memories. He had an unmistakable laugh, a sharp wit, and a natural gift for storytelling and humor that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. In 1987, Rick proudly enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He earned his GED while serving and was accepted into the highly competitive Gunner’s Mate “A” School at Naval Station Great Lakes. There, he completed Basic Electricity and Electronics training and 13 weeks of advanced instruction to become a Gunner’s Mate Missile Seaman Apprentice, mastering complex weapons systems, electronics, and safety protocols. He also went on to complete college-level coursework in electronics and missile guidance systems, further deepening his technical knowledge. Though his time on active duty was brief and he returned to his reserve unit, his service remained one of the proudest achievements of his life. It was a true reflection of his discipline, intelligence, and commitment to something greater than himself. One of Rick’s proudest accomplishments was inventing the R.A.D. rod, short for “Right After Dark rod,” a lighted fishing rod for night fishing. The idea was sparked during a conversation with his nephew Jimmy, but it was Rick, along with his brothers Tom and Kenny, who brought the invention to life. With Tom’s craftsmanship and Kenny’s unwavering support, they developed and refined a working prototype. Together, the three brothers proudly secured both U.S. and international patents. The R.A.D. rod stood as a remarkable accomplishment born from creativity, collaboration, and perseverance. When his brother Tom passed away at such a young age in 2005, Rick understandably stepped back from fully pursuing the project. Still, the invention remains a lasting symbol of his ingenuity and the deep bond he shared with his brothers. After his military service, Rick eventually landed a job he had been eager to get—working at General Motors. He began as a temp and worked for seven long years without the promise of security or benefits. His work ethic was unmatched. He later secured a full-time position and worked on the line as an operator, a physically demanding job that he didn’t always enjoy but never gave up on. And yet another large accomplishment that deserves to be recognized, at the time of his passing, Rick had achieved over three years of complete sobriety, a powerful testament to his strength, discipline, and commitment to change. He often said, “The people you're surrounded with at work can make or break a job.” And for Rick, it was his union brothers and sisters that kept him going. He found laughter, loyalty, and lifelong friendships among his coworkers. Over the years, he helped form a UAW Local 2250 Solidarity Committee at General Motors in Wentzville, MO with his nephew, Jimmy Lovelace. He also served on the UAW Local 31 Election Committee at General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, contributing to the democratic processes that upheld workers’ voices and rights. Rick was proud of his union involvement and believed in fighting for fairness and solidarity. Rick was a devoted father who made rainy days magical by splashing in puddles and creating mudslides in the backyard. He built a Monarch butterfly house for his children, just one of many ways he brought wonder and learning into their lives. Rick had a deep connection to nature. He loved watching hummingbirds and spent countless hours creating a peaceful oasis in his fish tanks. But it was his garden that truly reflected his passion, a vibrant space he poured his heart into, filled with flourishing plants and colorful blooms, always proudly showing anyone who stopped by all his hard work. His home became a living testament to his hard work and love for nature. Rick loved fishing, especially catfishing, as well as coin collecting, trains, clocks, and stock market trading. He was a man of curiosity and passion, always seeking to learn and improve. He always said that everyone should have at least a couple hobbies to bring joy into their lives, and he lived that belief every day. His hobbies weren’t just pastimes; they were windows into the way he saw the world—full of patterns, history, and stories waiting to be understood. Rick was deeply devoted to his faith in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. His beliefs were something he shared openly and proudly. His relationship with the Lord was the foundation of his strength. Whether in moments of joy or hardship, Rick found his comfort and purpose through Christ, and his unwavering faith left a lasting impression on those around him. Above all, Rick loved his family. He adored his grandchildren—Aubrey, Kaylee, Johnny, Jayden, and one more on the way—and nothing brought him more joy than time spent with them. But nothing compared to the love he had for his wife, Jamie. To those who knew him best, it was clear that Jamie was the best thing that ever happened to him. Their bond was undeniable—she had a remarkable way of reeling in his strong personality and keeping him in line, all while loving him fully for exactly who he was. Rick is survived by his loving and gorgeous wife, Jamie Wallace; his two beautiful daughters: Emily Hambrick (Matthew Persinger) and Jessica Spatz (John Spatz III); and his only beloved son, Joshua Abraham Wallace. He is also survived by his siblings: Herman Wallace (Sandy), Jan Nerren (Dan), Kenneth Wallace, and Kay Lovelace (James); grandchildren: Aubrey, Kaylee, Johnny, Jayden, and one more on the way; father-in-law, James “Nick” Lee; mother-in-law, Kathy Lee; sisters-in-law, Jasmine Smith and Miesha Smith; brothers-in-law, Michael Smith, James Lee, and Tyrone Meeks; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews, including: Debbie Snell, and numerous lifelong friends and neighbors who became like family. He was preceded in death by his parents: Richard and Joyce Wallace; his sister-in-law, Donna Wallace; and his brothers, Michael Wallace and Thomas Wallace. Family and friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at KEMPER-KEIM Family Funeral Chapel located at 351 Monroe Street Troy, MO 63379. Funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel in Troy, MO. For those wishing to honor Rick in a personal way, you’re welcome to wear yellow, his favorite color, or incorporate a yellow accessory. UAW attire or veteran apparel is also welcome. Of course, this is entirely optional—your presence is what matters most. As we gather to celebrate Rick’s life, may we carry his spirit forward in the everyday moments. Take time to watch a sunset, plant a flower, tell a joke, start a new hobby, or cast a line under the stars. And when we do, may we hear his unmistakable laugh echo in our hearts—reminding us that he’s never far. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to The Family of William Wallace, in care of Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel P.O. Box 222 Troy, MO 63379. Arrangements are under the direction of Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel; 351 Monroe Street Troy, MO 63379. Online condolences may be made at www.kemperkeimfamilyfuneralchapel.com Phone 636-528-8221

William "Rick" Richard Wallace

February 1, 1966 - May 18, 2025