Wallace Lee Reid of Cookeville TN passed away in Woodstock GA on May 6, 2026, on his 80th birthday, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on May 6, 1946, in Detroit, MI Wallace was the son of Owen and Willie P. Dillon Reid.

Wallace attended Rickman Elementary School before transferring to Livingston Academy, where he graduated with the Class of 1965. Following graduation, he proudly served six years in the Tennessee National Guard.

Raised on a farm in the Windle community of Overton County, Tennessee, Wallace developed a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for farm life from an early age. His family operated a dairy farm, and Wallace began helping in the dairy barn as a young boy. By the age of 12, he was already riding a tractor and working the land. He and his mother also maintained a tobacco patch throughout the years he lived at home. Farming was more than a way of life for Wallace — it was something he loved deeply throughout his entire life.

Wallace worked as a heavy equipment operator for more than 50 years, spending most of his career with Highways, Inc. and Poston & Poston Drilling. He took pride in hard work and the relationships he built throughout his career.

Wallace enjoyed spending time with family and friends and could often be found working in his garage. He loved dirt track racing, NASCAR, listening to Waylon Jennings, eating Oreos, raising Hobby Game Fowl, collecting guns, and working on Chevrolets, several of which he restored over the years.

Of all the things Wallace loved, his greatest joy was spending time with his daughter, Leigh Ann and granddaughter, Harper. He was a devoted grandfather and proudly served as Harper’s primary babysitter many days during her baby years while the rest of the family was at work — a role he treasured deeply.

Wallace was receiving care at Benton House of Woodstock, GA in order to be near Leigh Ann, Brian, and Harper in his final days.

Wallace is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rita Davis Reid; his daughter, Leigh Ann Layman (Brian); his cherished granddaughter, Harper Leigh Layman; his brother, David Reid (Gail); and lifelong high school friends, Wayne Winton and Jerry Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Willie P. Dillon Reid and his mother-in-law, Maureen Davis.

Wallace will be remembered for his dedication to family, his love of the land, his hardworking spirit, and the countless memories he created with those who loved him most.

A celebration of life honoring Wallace will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 2 PM at Shiloh Church, 1075 Hardys Chapel Road, Livingston, TN 38570.  Everyone is invited to stay for refreshments after the service.