Sam Wallis

WASHINGTON?Samuel D. "Big Sam" Wallis, 65, of Washington, passed away at 11:37 a.m., Monday, May 20, 2013 at Proctor Hospital ICU in Peoria. Sam was born on September 26, 1947 in Rienzi, Mississippi to Guy and Hildreth (Swendle) Wallis. He married Barbara (Small) Nofsinger on Valentine?s Day, February 14, 1978 in East Peoria. Barbara survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Jennifer Wallis-Drake of Paw Paw, Michigan and Pam (Roger) Miller of Washington; one son, Stephen (Amy) Nofsinger of Bartonville; three brothers, Melvin (Inas) Wallis of Bethel Springs, Tennessee, Robert Wallis of Ramer, Tennessee and Steve Wallis of Booneville, Mississippi; one sister, Ann Lewis of Osage Beach, Missouri; 11 grandchildren, Ryan, Brody, Bec, Steph, Sarah, Taylor, Tate, Samantha, Jacob, Katie and Jared; two great grandchildren, Nevaeh and Gracie and many loving nieces and nephews. Sam was preceded in death by one son, Jeremy who died on February 21, 2007, one brother, William and his parents. He retired from Caterpillar where he had worked for more than 30 years in the maintenance department at Mossville. Sam was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the U. S. Army. He was also a member of American Legion Post #100 in Washington. He also was a member of the Sunnyland Old Farts Club, Local #974 of the UAW and HOG (Harley Owners Group). Big Sam lived life to it?s fullest. He cherished the time that he could spend with his family as well as taking care of his horses and his garden. Sam loved to sing and play guitar-especially pickin? and grinin?- and for many years played with the "Denim Blue Band" in the Peoria area. Other things that Sam enjoyed over the years were his motorcycle and especially his beer and whiskey. A celebration of Big Sam?s life will be held on Friday, May 24, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with Pastor Jeff Browning officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Army following services. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and half hour prior to services. Cremation rites will be accorded following services. Memorials for Sam may be directed to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).