Rev. Dr. Bob N. Wallace

Rev. Dr. Bob N. Wallace, 93, of Naples, Florida, passed away on January 28, 2026, after a short illness. Born on April 3, 1932, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was the son of the late Elbert N. Wallace and Clara Ola (née Salmon) Wallace. Dr. Wallace had been a resident of Naples for the past 44 years, having moved from Louisville, Kentucky. After he received his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree, he joined the U.S. Navy serving for 20 years as a chaplain. When called to active duty, he served in the Mediterranean and during the Cuban Missile Crisis, providing spiritual guidance and support to service members. After returning home, he answered a call to pastoral ministry and became the Pastor of Thalia Lynn Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In 1967, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he served as Pastor of Highland Baptist Church. From 1970 to 1982, he served with the Episcopal National Convention. In 1983, Dr. Wallace moved to Naples, Florida, where he devoted himself to ministry within the community, serving as Chaplain to numerous nursing homes throughout the Naples area as well as serving on the Collier County Economic Development Council. It was during this time he completed his studies and received his doctorate degree. In 2006, he became the Pastor of Everglades Community Church, a role he faithfully continued until the time of his passing. A true Navy man at heart, Bob loved the ocean and enjoyed boating and anything that allowed him to be on the water. He cherished living in Naples and especially enjoyed visiting the Florida Keys whenever he could. An avid reader, he had a deep interest in genealogy and spent many hours researching family histories. Bob also loved to sing and was known for his beautiful voice. He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred J. Wallace of Naples, FL; his son, Michael N. Wallace (Xochitl) of Tijuana, Mexico; his daughters, Carol L. Hodge (John) of Louisville, KY Linda Suzanne Minor of Round Lake, IL, and Ruth A. Wilder (Gary) of Borden, IN; his stepchildren, Elizabeth J. Lyons (Joe) of Oxford, MS, and David T. Shirley (Linda) of Franklin, TN as well as 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Everglades Community Church following the 100th year anniversary celebration of the church and the twentieth anniversary of Dr. Wallace serving as pastor to the church. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Everglades Community Church 101 S. Copeland Ave., Everglades City, FL 34139 or to Avow Hospice 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Rev. Dr. Bob N. Wallace

April 3, 1932 - January 28, 2026