Wallace Weaver

Born in East Clark county in the Millcreek and Manchester area on August 21, 1921, Wallace Weaver is the only son and youngest child born to the late Davis and Angeline Weaver, other siblings were his two sisters; Nanny Bell Weaver Wheeler and Pernella Weaver Wiley. His extended family also included half brothers and sisters. Wallace was educated in the Dalark Public School system. He remembered the days when he worked for $.10 an hour, when asked what was normal working hours; he grinned and stated “From can’t see, to can’t see.” he went on to C.C. camp in Rosston, Arkansas and this was his first job that paid only $30.00 every month and out of that thirty dollars he always made sure that he sent money home. After 2 years at C.C. camp and at the age of 18 he enlisted in the United States Navy where he completed his basic training in Norfolk, Virginia. Brother Weaver was a World War II Veteran; he was involved in the invasion of Latee in the Philippines. After leaving the Navy on the point system he moved to Chicago and it was there were he secured a job working on the New York Central Railroad, where he recalled how amusing it was that men could get a haircut and shave on the train. Mr.Weaver, like many southerners, headed west for California for a fresh start. While in California he attended Trade and Technical College in Los Angeles. He later gained employment with the County of Los Angeles, where he was a faithful and dedicated employee having worked there for 25 ½ years. It was also during this time that he met a nurse, named Katie who would become his wife in 1965 and to this union a son, Gary was born. He eventually retired from the County of Los Angeles in March of 1977 and moved back to his home, Millcreek. That same year he and his family became a part of the Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church family where he served as a trustee under the pastorate of Rev. W. T. Keaton. Upon returning to the Millcreek/Manchester area, he realized that much hadn’t changed. He wanted more for Millcreek and knew that it could be better. With a prayerful mind, humble character and a sincere heart he set forth an effort to make a difference. His plans were underway to build a fire station, a much needed facility for the community and surrounding communities that included Manchester, Joann, Bethlehem, Griffithtown and Delark. After several failed attempts by some of the white citizens in the community, Wallace had determination on his mind. He quickly organized a board, where Mrs. Evelyn Browning served as secretary and Mr. Lorenza Browning was the Vice-President. It was also during that time that he met a little boy named Gerald. Wallace and Katie sent Gary and Gerald off to Little Rock to be pages. He wanted them to experience things other than Millcreek. He wanted them to learn about the government. Gerald and Gary were the only two African American males there. Wallace was committed to his dream. He received his first grant for $7,151.00 from The Levi Strauss Company. During his fund raising efforts, he became good friends with Judges, Senators, and also the then Governor and now past President Clinton. The dream was becoming a reality and the fire station was named the East Clark County Volunteer Fire Department and on March 14, 1981 under his leadership, the station received its first fire truck. Wallace also spear-headed the project to get the roads in the Millcreek/Manchester area black topped. He has served on several boards in the community including CADC, West Central Planning/Development and the Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce just to name a few. He was also on the Clark County Nursing Home board which was responsible for building the very first nursing home in Arkadelphia. Due to Katie’s failing health, they relocated to Hot Springs. Katie passed on November 11, 1997. He later met and married the apple of his eye Marva Dean and they wed in 1998. On Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at Heritage Health and Rehab in Hot Springs, Arkansas Wallace passed from time into eternity. He was preceded in death by five brothers Edward Harris, Richard Weaver, Willie Weaver, Calvin Weaver, Earnest Weaver; seven sisters Daisy Perry, Alva Henley, Pearl Weaver, Norvell Weaver, Nannie Weaver, Nannie Bell Weaver Wheeler and Pernella Weaver Wiley. He leaves his memories with his wife, Marva Weaver; his children, Stephanie (Darren) Walker of Killeen, Texas, Gary (Tandeleya) Weaver, of Las Vegas, Nevada, John (Aranita) Williams, of Hinesville, Georgia, Dovetta (Dwayne) Byers of Little Rock, Arkansas, Erica (Danny) Hart and David (Kanita) Williams both of Gurdon and eighteen grandchildren. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Nancy Weaver of Camden, AR; two nieces, Maggie DeLamar of Malvern, AR and Mildred Chamberlin of Lansing, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Public visitation will be Monday, February 11th from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. A service honoring the life of Mr. Weaver will be held on Tuesday, February 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., will officiate. The committal service and final resting place will be in Piney Grove Cemetery. CLICK TRIBUTELINK TO WATCH TRIBUTE