John Freeman Wallace, 89, a native of Village, and longtime resident of this area, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 in Ruston, La.

He was a faithful member and deacon of Central Baptist Church and was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Army attached to the Army’s 64th General Hospital Division in the North Africa and Italian Theaters. He was a retired mechanic from International Paper Company with 34 years of service. Mr. Wallace and his wife, Maggie were also active members of the Springhill Rodeo Association, Springhill Riding Club and enjoyed camping with their friends, The Hobos.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Maggie Cochran Wallace, on Nov. 21, 2006; by his parents, Hartford and Mary Alice Cook Wallace; and sisters, Elvira Wallace and Christine Wallace Jacks.

He is survived by his children, John Edward Wallace of Downsville, La., James M. “Jimmy” McDonald and Mary McDonald Evans of Monroe, La.; sister, Belva W. Torrence of Springhill, La.; grandchildren, Michelle Williams, Ian Hartford Wallace and Jane Elspeth Wallace; and a great-grandson, Jacob Gardner.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in Central Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Everett and Rev. Johnnie Atkins officiating. Burial will be in the Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Mortuary, Springhill. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until noon Friday at Bailey Mortuary.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Horn, David Sawyer, Carroll Timmons, C.G. “Buddy” Simmons, Joe Curtis and Robert Colley. Honorary pallbearers will be other fellow deacons and Sunday school class members.

www.baileymortuary.net.