Willie James Wallace, 74, died of gunshot injuries on August 12, 2023, in East Saint Louis, Illinois. Born October 20, 1948, in Frenchmans Bayou, Arkansas, he was predeceased by his parents Eva Mae Stringer Wallace and Melvin Charles Wright, several siblings, and his son Willie James Wallace Jr.; he also lost three grandsons, Jamarion, Jarvaris, and Willie James Wallace.

At the time of his death Wallace was survived by numerous children — including Tanika Macias of Fort Knox, KY; Dorothy Green of Springfield, MO; Felisa Hightower of Kalamazoo, MI; Gwendolyn Thomas and Amanda Wallace of Kennett, MO; Latoya Wallace of Long Beach, CA; and Melvin Wright of Riverside, CA — plus surviving siblings Myrtle Wallace of Kennett, MO; Eva Jean Wallace; Brenda Jean Hill of East St; Melissa Lewis; Janine Wright of Altadena, CA; and Troy Wallace of Columbus, NE, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

No suspects or arrests are mentioned in connection with the shooting. If anyone has information about what happened to Willie James Wallace on or around August 12, 2023, please share what you know.