Wallace Stine Sterling Jr. of Tampa, Fla. passed away on April 9, 2018 after a brief period of declining health. He was 82.
Wallace was born on December 14, 1935 in Fernandina Beach, Fla., and was the oldest son of the late Wallace and Maggie Sterling. He attended Fernandina Beach High School and graduated as class valedictorian in 1953. He was active in the local Boy Scouts troop and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He earned his bachelorʼs degree in English and theater from the University of Florida, where he was also a proud member of the marching band. He earned his Ph.D. in theater from the University of Southern Illinois at Carbondale and went on to serve for many years as a professor at the University of Akron in Ohio, retiring as professor emeritus. Upon retirement, he lived for several years in Chapel Hill, N.C., where he was an adjunct professor at NCCU and worked as a director with the local theater. He eventually retired to Tampa, where he served as an adjunct professor at the University of Tampa for several years.
Wallace loved teaching and directing and he enjoyed mentoring his students and helping them succeed. He is held in high regard by his former students. In earlier years he enjoyed traveling and visiting family members. Never having children of his own, he took great pride in the accomplishments of his nieces and nephews. Wallace will be remembered by one and all as a truly good person who loved life and his Florida Gators.
Wallace is survived by his long-time companion, James McCray of Tampa; aunt, Rosemary Miller of Fernandina Beach; brothers, Bunny (wife Marilyn) of Fernandina Beach, George (wife Sheri) of Statesboro, Ga., and Andy of Fernandina Beach; sisters, Katie Davenport (husband Bill) of Raleigh, N.C., Helen Green (husband Ed) of Yulee, Fla., and Mary Jubito (husband Tommy) of Yulee; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date in Fernandina Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.brewerfuneral.com.
Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes