Paul Ellsworth Wallace

Paul was born on November 27, 1940 in the coal mining town of Indian Head, Pennsylvania to father William E. Wallace and mother Twila Young Wallace, both ordained Assembly of God ministers.

Paul met his beloved wife Gail Louise Nichols at summer church camp, and they were married on November 19, 1960 in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Throughout his life, Paul developed a love for the outdoors and grew to be an avid outdoorsman, a skill and passion he carried throughout his life and passed on to his family.

Paul especially loved fly fishing and tying flies.

As a young man, Paul began his career as a Land Agent with Coates Field Service contracting for Shell Pipeline, later becoming a full-time employee of Shell Pipeline. He was recognized as a shrewd dealmaker and negotiator while at the same time building excellent repour with his co-workers and clients, and was promoted to Manager of the Land, Transportation and Engineering for Shell Pipeline. He retired in 1998 after 30 years of service.

Paul’s roles led his family around the country as he worked on various pipeline projects. In every location, he prioritized introducing his children to each region’s history, culture and of course, outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing, and snowmobiling. Family adventures are too numerous to name, and his venturesome spirit lives on through his entire family.

Paul was a man of integrity; faithful to his word, his work, and primarily to his family, who never doubted his commitment to them as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. One of his greatest joys in life was being surrounded by his family and friends, and he greatly looked forward to these gatherings whether celebrating Christmas with family or crawfish boils in the yard with co-workers.

Paul was a champion to the underdog, displaying a generous spirit and quiet charity, always looking for opportunities to help family, friends and whoever he saw in need. Witty and rascally in equal measure, he carried the innate ability to entertain those around him – especially his grandchildren when they were young. His masterminded pranks remain legendary - each one a square quilted into the Wallace family history.

All of these qualities and character traits are imbedded into the Wallace family, and bring a source of comfort even as we mourn, remembering this precious man in our hearts and deeds.

Paul is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years Gail, son William Edwin Wallace, and wife Lori Jane Wallace and their children Christina Jane Wallace, and Johnathon Paul Wallace; daughter Karen Wallace Coolidge, and husband Danny and their children John Daniel Coolidge, and wife Heather and their son due to be born January 1, 2021, Katie Wilson, and husband Landon; and daughter Kimberly McMillan, and husband Nathan; daughter Deborah Wallace Burris, and husband Joe Bob and their children Joshua Baines, and wife Kathy, and daughter Bessie Burris, and husband Kelly and their children, Elijah, Mason and Toby. Paul also leaves behind his faithful pup, Gracie, who rarely left his side.

Paul was proceeded in death by his father William E. Wallace, mother Twila Young Wallace, and infant brother William Edwin Wallace.

The Wallace family would like to deeply thank all of Paul’s caregivers and medical providers who have served with such grace, compassion and loyalty. Each of you were a tremendous blessing and comfort to Paul and to his family members.

A small family service will be held Friday, September 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077.

Please log on to Forest Park Westheimer and Cemetery Facebook page on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM, for the link to view the service live.