Remembering Pastor Bob Wallace

Dr. Bob Wallace, our beloved pastor of the Everglades Community Church for nearly 20 years, passed away on January 28 at the age of 93. Pastor Bob was such an integral part of Everglades City. He loved this community and devotedly spent many extra days and hours participating in our area events. For four years (2021-2025), he was a regular contributor to the Mullet Rapper, our local newspaper, writing articles about our historical sites, fishing, and his faith. During his weekly Sunday services, he would inspire our congregation with his powerful voice, speaking from his heart during sermons and leading the church’s choir for many years. He brought wisdom, joy, experience, and warmth into the church as he led the Sunday services. And we will always remember his faith and compassion as he ended every service with Let There Be Peace on Earth while walking down the aisle hand-in-hand with his wife, Millie.

Pastor Bob was acknowledged in 2016 in the booklet for the 90th celebration of our Church with the words: “God blessed our church on March 19, 2006, when the Reverend Dr. Bob Wallace accepted the position as minister of our church. We were also blessed with his wife Jane Wallace, herself an ordained minister. Pastor Bob, as he is affectionately known in our church, has been a blessing to us for almost 10 years… In February 2011, the Lord called Jane Wallace home. In God’s wisdom and grace, God again blessed Pastor Bob and our church with a partner… Mildred Crawford. Pastor Bob and Millie are the spiritual core of our church.”

Pastor Bob served 20 years as a Chaplain in the Navy and was a strong advocate for our veterans and those currently serving in the armed services. He would proudly remember them on Veterans Day, asking each member of the congregation who had served to stand together and give their name, rank, and serial number. Pastor Bob was a respected, loyal, and appreciated member of our community. He will be missed by all.

Pastor Bob is survived by his loving wife Millie, his devoted children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Everyone is invited to join our congregation for a memorial service to be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, March 22, at the Everglades Community Church, following the Church’s 100th year celebration, which Pastor Bob was so looking forward to as he would have celebrated his 20 years as Pastor of our “Friendly Church on the Circle.”