Mr. Wallace Howell Shinkle, Sr.

Mr. Wallace Howell Shinkle, Sr., a man who could fit laughter, food, and heart into a single Honda Civic, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Warm Springs Nursing Home in Warm Springs, Georgia. Born on September 26, 1946, in the picturesque town of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, he quickly learned that life is like a bus ride – it’s all about the journey, the company, and occasionally pulling that emergency stop cord for an unscheduled snack break. He was 78 years old.

Wallace was a MARTA bus driver for an impressive 35 years, because there’s nothing quite like cruising the streets of Atlanta while making sure folks knew that “you ain't seen nothin' yet!” This tireless dedication did not stop him from returning to MARTA, because clearly, stopping was not in his vocabulary. Rumor has it that he could navigate the busiest routes while still managing to crack jokes and lend a helping hand – though occasionally passengers would leave convinced they were on the wrong bus, as he had the uncanny ability to lose them in laughter.

When he wasn’t busy steering the city’s buses or steering clear of potholes, Wallace was whipping up culinary masterpieces in his kitchen. He was a fantastic cook who adored crafting exotic dishes, which was only exciting until someone realized they'd bitten into a mystery fruit that may or may not have come from an airplane cargo hold. And let’s be honest, he loved eating those exotic endeavors even more, claiming he was just “testing the recipes.” Call it self-described quality control.

Wallace was also no stranger to the world, embarking on adventures far and wide – particularly his beloved Philippines. He returned home with souvenirs so unique that even a local flea market vendor would do a double-take. From quirky hats to mysterious trinkets, he always made sure to brighten up his family’s day by checking their luggage for contraband “Wallace specials.”

An alumnus of Hallie Turner Private School (Class of 1964, thank you very much), Wallace was known for being the jokester in every crowd. He never met a stranger, or if he did, he quickly offered them a snack and started a conversation about the plot holes in cowboy movies. Indeed, he found great joy in animals, Western films, and blasting tunes – each playlist louder than the last – ensuring no one within a five-mile radius would ever need a hearing aid.

He leaves behind a squad of dedicated family members who are now on the quest to continue his legacy of laughter and the great pursuit of delicious food. Wallace is survived by his wife, Lanh Shinkle of Fayetteville; his daughter, Christy (Jereme) Chaney of Thomaston; his son, Wallace Howell Shinkle, II of Molena; and his daughter, Sophie Shinkle of Fayetteville. He will be dearly missed by his sister, Rebecca Archbold; his brother, John (Linda) Shinkle. He was affectionately known as "Grandman" by his grandchildren: Christopher (Martina) Shinkle, Troy Chaney, Charlee Chaney, Gracie Shinkle, Bode Chaney, and Sami Shinkle; and his great-granddaughter, Palmer Rose Shinkle. Also surviving are his nieces, Chandler Rohwedder and Cathryn Smitherman.

While we swoon over Wallace’s life, let’s remember that he has been reunited with his already-missed parents, Charles Wallace Shinkle and Martha Jeanne Atkinson Shinkle, as well as his late grandson, Charles Bradley Shinkle.

In accordance with his wishes to have a night funeral, a Celebration of Life for Wallace will be held Sunday, July 6, at 7:00 PM, at Fletcher Day Funeral Home with his grandson, Troy Chaney officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Sunday. A private interment will take place at Westminster Memorial Gardens in Peachtree City, on July 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

So as we say goodbye to this remarkable legend of a man, remember to keep those stories flowing, keep laughing, and perhaps consider cooking something that would earn his seal of approval – if you dare! He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.