Joseph Wallace

Joseph Andre Wallace, 52, of Belle, passed away on May 12, 2025, after a brief illness. The beloved son of Lauranna Ware, devoted husband to Jessica and proud father to Nathaniel, Tori, and Damian, “Joe” left us far too soon — and with far too few of his famously terrible jokes.

A passionate fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers (unfortunately), Star Wars, and stand-up comedy, Joe was the life of every room he entered. With a ready smile, a great story, and a (usually groan-worthy) punchline, he brought joy wherever he went. He attended Guilford College and never strayed far from the stage. As a cherished member of The No Pants Players, Joe thrived in making people laugh. He directed and acted in numerous local productions and shared his love for the craft as a teacher at The Alban in St. Albans.

While theatre brought him joy, teaching was his true calling. Joe touched countless lives as a middle school teacher. He taught at West Side Middle School and worked with Step by Step, Inc. at Horace Mann Middle School, but perhaps nothing meant more to him than coaching the Horace Mann girls’ basketball team — his “girls” — for four years. Teaching them the game he loved was one of his greatest joys.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Lauranna Ware and his father, Jerry Wallace. He is survived by his loving wife Jessica; his children, Nathaniel, Tori, and Damian, who were his entire world; his brother, Jeff Ware; his niece, Jayla Ware, who brought him so much joy; a host of cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, friends — and his dog, Louie, whom he claimed to hate, but who mysteriously received the most snacks.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of the CP-ICU at CAMC Memorial for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness during an incredibly difficult time. Your love made a heartbreaking situation just a little more bearable.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church, Charleston followed by a cookout style lunch in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Joe’s memory by doing something he loved: go see a play, support your local community theatre — and don’t forget to laugh.