Wallace Lynn Reams

Wallace Lynn Reams, 72, of Wake Forest, NC passed away on February 20, 2025 with his loving wife, Yvette Leger by his side, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Wallace was born in Nash County on June 14, 1952. He grew up on a small family farm that raised tobacco and hogs. His parents and upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep love for family. Wallace graduated from Southern Nash Senior High School, where he made history by throwing the school’s first touchdown pass. He continued his education at North Carolina State University and received a degree in civil engineering as a James M. Johnston Scholar. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi brotherhood. Wallace also obtained a Master of Business Administration while living in Texas. After graduating college, Wallace loyally worked for the Trane Company his entire career. He was recruited from the training class, to become a Sales Engineer in the San Antonio, Texas office where his success led him to become the Sales Manager. Although Wallace was a proud graduate of NC State, he quickly acclimated and became a Texan. Wallace had a gift for making friends and keeping them. Most remained lifelong friends. His work in San Antonio earned him a promotion to run the Trane Company’s Salt Lake City District where he enjoyed continued success until his retirement. Driven by his love for NC State, Wallace established a scholarship endowment 30 years ago to benefit students with high academic potential from the state of North Carolina, attracting those students to pursue their college education at NC State. Multiple scholarships are awarded each year continuing his legacy of academic support and opportunity. After retiring, Wallace returned home to North Carolina to be closer to family. An expert skier, he also enjoyed exercising, delicious Italian food, and cheering on NC State Athletics. He was a member of Momeyer Baptist Church and Momeyer Ruritan Club. After his diagnosis, Wallace became a supporter of “Duke - Angels Among Us”, donating and fundraising for brain cancer research. Wallace was preceded in death by his parents, Haywood and Alice Reams, and his sister, Vicky Hyde Jones. In addition to his devoted wife, Wallace is survived by his brother, Butch Reams (Phyllis) and sister, Tammy Warren (Gary). Wallace is also survived by three loving stepdaughters, Elise Leger (Patrick), Erin Leger, Amanda Loosemore (Steven) and four cherished granddaughters with a grandson on the way. He leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, a great-great nephew, extended family, and friends that were like family. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Wallace L. Reams Merit Awards Program Scholarship: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/47387/donations/new?designation=145065 Or Team “Walking With Wallace”, 2025 Angels Among Us 5K & Walk for Hope: https://www.supportdukehealth.org/site/TR/Angels/AngelsAmongUs?team_id=30812&pg=team&fr_id=2621 A visitation with family and friends will be Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Cornerstone Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Momeyer Baptist Church. The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed via Youtube, search for Momeyer Baptist Church, starting at 1:45pm

Tributes

Wallace Lynn Reams

June 14, 1952 - February 20, 2025