Wallace R. Booth was born on July 7, 1930 in Columbus, Georgia to Lattie Mae and Jeffie Booth. He loved his family, he loved his church, and he loved See’s candy. He might have dropped his southern accent but he always was the ultimate southern gentleman. He loved to welcome guests to his home and always had a cool drink and treat waiting. Always a hard worker he started working at the age of eight delivering groceries to help support his widowed mother.
Wally served in the US navy during the Korean War where he was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. In the Navy he formed lifelong friendships and one of the highlights of his life was being able to host the Pearl City reunion every April at the Lion House in Salt Lake City. He was grateful for the GI bill which gave him the opportunity to attend BYU and earn an accounting degree.
On September 13, 1956 he married Joan in the Salt Lake City temple. They were married for over 50 years and she was the love of his life. After her death in 2007 he lovingly talked the about the day he would eat lunch with her again. Wally and Joan raised their three children in Mesa, AZ. He was a CPA working for Arthur Young when there were only 3 accountants in the office. He served in bishoprics, high councils, and wherever he was needed.
In 1985 Wally and Joan were able to move back to Atlanta, Georgia so he could take a job with Home Depot in their corporate office. He enjoyed being back in Georgia and giving his children and grandchildren what he affectionately called “the roots tour”. While in Georgia he was called to be a sealer in the Atlanta Georgia LDS temple where he was able to serve alongside childhood friends and siblings.
Wally was very generous. Church leaders always knew that they could contact him when someone needed help. At Christmas his See’s candy order to friends and family was over 8 pages long. When asked how he made it made it to 90 years old he said, “The secret is to eat lots of Ding Dongs, they contain preservatives.”
He is survived by son Michael, and daughters Cindy (Hilton) Harris, Chris (Jeff) Blau, nine grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
Due to the pandemic a graveside for immediate family only will be held.
wally and joan were our dearest friends for over 50 years – we had the happy pleasure of going back to Georgia to visit them when they lived there they showed us the most marvelous time – joan and I spent many hours shopping – mostly for our grandchildren – wally and joan were truly loyal and faithful friends – oh how they are missed. We have always been impressed how wally was so sweet, kind, loving and patient with joan – NEVER was upset or impatient but always so attentive to her needs with such love – he was a great example – he was one of the most Christ like friend that we had in our lives . I will (this is Barbara speaking) miss hearing him greet me whenever I would call or see him say “hey young lady how ya doing” we loved your dad and mom – they were the best friends ever and we are so happy that wally is now with his love of his life – he always ended every conversation with I just want to go be with joan – we are so happy that they are now together again. Mike, Chris, Cindy just want you to know that we have enjoyed your friendship as well all these years and was always grateful to be included in your family gatherings = you truly make us feel like we were part of the family. We love you all very much – we feel of your sorrow of this great , faithful and loving father of yours. God be with you all at this difficult time.