Staff Sergeant Wallace "Wally Gator" Caldwell Jr. 84, a retired veteran of the Army National Guard, died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and loved ones, in his Palm Coast, FL home on August 21, 2025.

Staff Sergeant Caldwell was born on March 16, 1941, in Pine Bluff, AR to Wallace and Fay Caldwell. Wallace migrated with his parents from Arkansas to Springfield, Massachusetts when he was 12 years old. He graduated from Springfield Trade High School in 1960, and he received a general high school diploma. He later attended and graduated from Quincy College with an Associate degree in Business Administration.

In 1975, he joined the Army National Guard, and he moved up in rank and became a Staff Sergeant. After 23 years, he retired with honorable status from the Army National Guard.

Wallace married Shirley (Daniels) on January 31, 1962, in Houston, Texas. They were married for 63 years. Wallace met Shirley while he was in the Air Force and from this union they created 4 children.

He was an overhead line Supervisor at Northeast Utilities and he retired after 37 years. While at Northeast Utilities, he was instrumental in leading a team of linemen into Jamaica after Hurricane Gilbert (1988), devastated the island. He also lead another team to oversee the severe ice storm in Canada. He was given an award for never calling out sick for 37 years. He also received the Footprints award as being the first hired African American lineman at Northeast Utilities.

Wallace accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in 1974 and at this time he became very active in the church. He was a Deacon, the church bus driver, coached several of the church basketball teams, and a Sunday school teacher for the youth and young adults. He enjoyed teaching and spending time with the youth!

Wallace was an avid bowler. He was on several bowling teams and strived for perfection when he bowled, often scoring in the high 200's. He enjoyed boxing and football. He was a diehard Patriots fan! In the mid 70's Wallace coached the Adams Park Little League baseball 10-12 team.

Wallace was a jack of all trades; there wasn't anything he couldn't do. From rebuilding car engines to building a swing set, he could do it all.

He was always willing to give. If you crossed his path, I am sure you received something from "Gator". Even it if it was a good laugh.

He loved music. If he was at a wedding or a family gathering, if the music was playing, he was up dancing. This was one of his favorite things to do!!

Preceding Wallace in death were his parents, Wallace and Fay Caldwell, aunt Lugussie Dean, brothers, James, Edward, Arthur and Theodis Caldwell, 1 sister Ruby Caldwell, a niece Lori Gardner, a nephew Rodney Caldwell and a great nephew Jesse Gardner.

Remaining to cherish Wallace's memory is his lovely wife of 63 years Shirley Caldwell, his 4 children Eric Caldwell (Constance), Monica Caldwell-Winter (Guido), Kimberly Caldwell and Shawn Caldwell. 11 grandchildren, Stanley, Monique, Johnathon, Jasmin, Jonte', Amber, Lexis, Jenal, Dorren, Dorianna and Harlem, 17 great grandchildren, 4 sisters Earlean Caldwell, Elizabeth Carter (Victor), Viola McCoy and Waunetta Caldwell, 2 brothers Charles Caldwell (Elzonia) and Thomas Caldwell (Sherry) all of Springfield, MA and a special cousin Betty Mayweathers, Springfield, Ma and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Service Information for the home going of Staff Sergeant Wallace Caldwell Jr is Saturday, August 30th 2025 at 10:30am for the viewing and the Funeral Service at 11:00am at First Baptist Church of Palm Coast at 6050 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast, Florida 32137. There will be a repast following the service.