Celebration of Life

Sergeant Major Wallace Holden, fondly known as "Alton", age 82 of Orlando, Florida, traveled peacefully to join his Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 23, 2023, after a brief illness.

Wallace was born in Jasper, Florida on April 29, 1941, to the late Ms. Essie Mae Holden. He obtained his education and graduated from J.R.E. Lee High School. Upon completing high school, he obtained his first job at "The Jasper Bakery" as a baker.

As a child, Wallace accepted Christ as his savior at an early age and served faithfully as a member at New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Jasper, Florida under the leadership of Pastor Fisher. He served on the Usher Board alongside his mother, Essie Mae Holden, who was the President of the Usher board. As he traveled abroad Wallace attended and served at various churches. When he retired, he joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church on December 17, 2000, under the leadership of Pastor Willie C Barnes. He was a dedicated faithful member and loved bible study to the fullest. He also served faithfully at Macedonia as a member of the usher board. Wallace was faithful to the church until his health began to fail. Aside from the Lord, Wallace greatest devotion was to his family and the military.

In his early adult years, Wallace enlisted into the United States Army. Here is where true career dreams started and the motivation for success was evident. During his tours of duty, he received his Bachelor's Degree and Masters of Science Degree. Wallace served his country proudly for thirty (30) years February 6, 1962 - February 29, 1992, and received the rank of E-9 Sergeant Major.

Decorations and Medals Awarded:

National Defense Service Medal (2 Award),

Vietnam Service Medal,

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Overseas Service Bars (4)

Overseas Service Ribbon (4)

Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (Unit)

Army Service Ribbon

Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3)

Army Commendation Medal (4 Award)

Army Achievement Medal (2 Award)

Good Conduct Medal (10 Award)

Meritorious Service Medal

Military Education:

First Sergeant Administrative Course

Leadership & Management Development Course

Senior Supply Sergeant Course

Force Modernization Management

German HeadStart

Army Logistics Management College Instructor Training

Managing a Civilian Workforce

In the year 1992, after retiring from the service with an honorable discharge, Wallace began work at the Education Center as an Education Counselor at Fort Lee, Virginia and then entered the Government Internship Program as a project director. This program brought him to Orlando, Florida and then he received the government civilian job as project director at the Program Executive Office for Simulation; PEO-STRI for approximately fifteen years and retired in 2012.

Wallace was a Lifetime member of the American Legion, NAACP, and Blacks in Government all located in Orlando, Florida.

Wallace was known as a people person, always with a smile. Everyone loved him and he loved everyone!

Preceding him in death is his mother: Essie Mae Holden, Brothers: Willie James Holden and Charles Beal. Sister Geneva Jones and Louise Mack.

Wallace "Alton" leaves to cherish his memories: Five sisters: Missionary Phyllis Jefferson, Joyce Holden, Mary Holden, Velora Holden Loper, all of Jasper, Fl. and Addie Florence Cherry, Live Oak, Fl. Two Brothers: Jimmy Holden, Alonza (Maxine) Holden, Gainesville, Fl. A special niece Donna Holden (aka "Sweet Niece") Jasper, Fl. One Auntie: Bessie Jean Walls (Jasper, Fl.) Devoted friends; Walter Lane, Matthew Brothers and Paula LaCount (Orlando, Fl.), Verl Dye and Clarence Dye, and Elder Stiner Jones; Fargo, Ga.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, and caring friends.