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Mary Wallace, seen here in this undated photo, was known for her love and knowledge of Hank Williams. Wallace was found dead in her home in Georgiana on Monday.
Hank festival organizer Mary Wallace found dead
Published Monday, December 21, 2009
Mary Wallace, one of the chief organizers of Georgiana's Hank Williams Festival and director of the city's nutrition center, has died.
Wallace was found dead at her home in Georgiana of an accidental gunshot wound, according to Butler County Sheriff Kenny Harden. The accident happened at approximately 10 a.m., said Harden.
Wallace was acting president of the Hank Williams International Society and Fan Club, which she helped found. She organized the annual Hank Williams Festival, held in Georgiana, which was held for the 30th consecutive year this June. She served on the board of directors for the Hank Williams Museum and Boyhood Home.
"She lived and breathed Hank Williams," said Georgiana mayor Mike Middleton. "The Hank Williams Festival would not have been as much of a success without all her efforts. We have some big shoes to fill."
Middleton also lauded Wallace for her work as site manager for the Georgiana Nutrition Center.
"She was always talking those folks places. She did a lot with them. And they really enjoyed being there with her," Middleton said.
Sherri Brackin of Mobile, who served on the board of directors with Wallace, recalls her as "my very, best friend in the whole wide world."
"Mary had taught me so much about Hank and the fan club; she was so full of information and history," Brackin recalled.
"We were going to start working on the fan club newsletters together and it was just a pleasure to work with her. We will go on because that is what she would want, but it is not going to be easy. This is the saddest, saddest thing I can think of."
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Posted by Elybesa (anonymous) on December 21, 2009 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is just too sad. Mary Wallace was one of the most delightful individuals I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Both in work and play, she was the same wonderful person. Her work with the Hank Williams Festival was truly remarkable but I loved her most for her work with the elderly at the Georgiana Nutrition Center. She was totally dedicated to making the lives of so many richer and fuller.
Butler County has lost a very special person.
Posted by along (anonymous) on December 21, 2009 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was truly heartbroken when I heard the news about Mary this morning. She was more than just a story contact for me here at the paper; she was my friend and someone I admired, who worked to make her community a better place to live.
She did indeed love those seniors at the center, and I know for a fact she was loved in return. And she helped put south Butler County on the map for many around the world with her endless, contagious enthusiasm for all things Hank.
I looked through the many photos I had taken of her over just the last couple of years. She almost always had that engaging smile and twinkle in her pretty blue eyes. And didn't she make a great Mrs. Claus!
Mary Wallace, you will be missed. Thank you for bringing joy and laughter and warmth into my life and the lives of many others.
Posted by jaythomas70 (anonymous) on December 22, 2009 at 1:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, was not expecting to see this story when I pulled up the Advocate's site tonight. I can simply echo Angie's thoughts on Mary. She was a warm, generous soul, who always made me smile when she would drop by the newspaper to discuss her favorite topics, Hank Williams. I cannot recall the number of invites I've had over the years to visit her and the good people at the nutrition center in Georgiana. Butler County has truly lost one of the forces that brought people back there year after year.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Wallace family and the entire Hank Williams nation, and to the people of Georgiana.
Rest in peace, Mary and may you and Hank make sweet melodies in heaven. Like Angie, on this day, I'm minus a very important friend.
Posted by IFCO (anonymous) on December 22, 2009 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is such tragic news for all who knew Mary. What a caring, generous and dynamic soul! Our hearts go out to her family, the Hank Williams community, and friends all over the world!
Posted by coralglass (anonymous) on December 22, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Prayers go out to the family.
Posted by JOYZOZ (anonymous) on December 22, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I LOVED HER AND HER FAMILY SO MUCH. WORDS CAN NOT DESCRIBE THE PAIN I AM FEELING FROM HER PASSING. SHE HAD JUST LOST HER GRANDSON; AND NOW HER SON AND HER GRANDDAUGHTER HAVE HER PASSING TO DEAL WITH, TOO. I HAVE SO MUCH SYMPATHY/EMPATHY FOR THEM. I LOVED THEM SO AND I CAN'T STOP CRYING. I SPOKE TO HER A FEW MONTHS AGO AND SHE ALWAYS HAD ENCOURAGING WORDS FOR ME. I WILL MISS HER. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE SHE IS GONE. I KNOW SHE IS WITH GOD. SHE WAS SO KIND. PLEASE PRAY FOR HER SON AND GRANDDAUGHTER.
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