Patricia (Nettles) Wallace

Patricia (Nettles) Wallace, 77, a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home late in the evening, Thursday, January 19, 2023, under the care of Hospice and surrounded by the love of her adoring family, with husband Floyd, daughter Stacy, grandson Ryder, and son-in-law Doug by her side. She fought valiantly throughout her long battle with RA while peacefully letting go once she could bear no more. She no longer suffers; like everything she did, she managed all with thoughtfulness, selflessness, class, style, and dignity.

Born April 28, 1945, in Jacksonville, FL, to Eulean and Edward Nettles, Pat was their third child but first daughter. From the beginning, Pat dedicated her life’s energy and unwavering love to the care and welfare of others. She was a loving and kind sister to her older brothers, Eugene and Chris while doting on her younger siblings, Donna and Johnny. She also shared a special bond with her dearest cousin, Pamela. Growing up in Jacksonville, Pat attended Kirby Smith Junior High and, later, Andrew Jackson High School, graduating in 1963.

In 1964, she married her dearest love, Floyd, and later with immense joy, gave birth to their only child and daughter, Stacy, in 1972. Trish, as Floyd called her, was a loving and adoring wife, caring and compassionate mother, affectionate and devoted grandmother, and a kind and thoughtful mother-in-law who "knew no strangers." Outgoing, lively, and courageous, Pat made friends instantly and easily with anyone and everyone.

Throughout her life, many have known her to be a kindhearted, generous, and gentle soul. Everyone she met loved her and could not escape feeling cherished and treasured by the supportive kindness she so willingly shared. She was dedicated and passionate but also highly effective, spirited, and driven. With a work ethic and a sense of determination that could not be matched, Pat served as a role model to all who knew her. Starting work as a teenager, she held many office jobs before joining Southern Bell in 1965, retiring with over 30 years of service. While working for Bell, she worked in divisions such as Real Estate, Furniture, Contracts/Procurement, and Building Management. She took great pride in overseeing the operations and management of “the tower,” as it became known to those closest to her, receiving many awards for her dedicated service to the Bell companies throughout the years. After retiring from BellSouth, Pat began a successful follow-up career with FBG, a commercial property management company based out of Omaha, Nebraska. She followed with contract work for AT&T’s Real Estate division, working from the family’s long-time residence in Mandarin during her "retirement" years.

Throughout the years, she and Floyd loved their times together along the banks of the St. Johns River. They also enjoyed attending the UF Gator Football games, sitting in Row 18 on the 40-yard line and parking at the field where their grandson later attended elementary school in Gainesville. She gained immense joy when her son-in-law and daughter both graduated from UF, with her daughter furthering that pride by graduating with honors and then continuing to work at the university for her entire career. Pat took great personal pride in being a member of the North Florida Corvette Association. However, with family as her utmost priority and the center of her life, she ensured they always set aside time to enjoy the good times, good food, good music, travel, and, of course, Disney World, where she got such joy seeing the children she loved having the times of their lives. Her deep love for family grew even larger as it expanded to include her only grandson Ryder Kai, who she often referred to as the most precious gift of her lifetime.

A more loving wife, mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law could not be. Pat will be sorely missed by all who knew her, especially those closest to her, as they are the ones she held most dear. The chasm she leaves behind is immense, but the vast love that remains will overfill it. She lived life to its fullest and would want all others to do the same in her honor. Always taking care to the needs of others before ever thinking of her own, her parting desire is to have made this world a better place by being in it, and, as always, she went above and beyond.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Floyd; daughter Stacy; son-in-law Doug; grandson Ryder Kai; brothers Gene, Chris (Linda), and Johnny (Sonya) Nettles; sister, Donna (Harvey) Graham; her brother-in-law Clayton Wallace; sister-in-law Sarah Wallace and many loving nieces and nephews along with their spouses and children. She loved each and every member of her extended family as she did her own.

She is preceded in death by her father, Edward Alfonso Nettles, mother Eulean Ray Nettles, father-in-law James Wallace, mother-in-law Lois Wallace, niece Christine Yvonne Nettles Perry, nephew Jeffrey Nettles; brothers-in-law Wyley and Tommy Wallace, and sisters-in-law Norma Wallace McQuaig and Judy Goode Wallace.

Memorial services will be held Monday, January 30, 2023, at Oaklawn Legacy Lodge and Cemetery. Services will take place in the lodge, with the reception and graveside services to follow. All of the family’s friends, family, classmates, coworkers, and colleagues are welcome to join us in this celebration of life for this wonderful and kind lady. Services will take place Monday, January 30, 2023, at Oaklawn Cemetery and gardens, 4801 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville, Florida, with services beginning at 11:00. The reception will occur from 12:00 to 2:00 with committal services at 2:30 p.m.