“Wallace, you’ve been on my mind so much. I finally saw Hamilton in New York—with Leslie Odom Jr. himself. And the whole time, I kept thinking about how this was supposed to be your trip. I waited to buy tickets because you, Autumn, and I promised we’d go together.

Even though I had to go without you, I want to honor you today and remember that this experience was meant to be shared with you. And honestly? Leslie Odom Jr. would’ve made you proud… he SAAAANNNGGG it.

Love you, miss you, and celebrating you today.

— Your add-on sister, Celia.”

Dear Autumn and family,

Our condolences for your loss! 

Esa. Säde and family

As a small town country girl growing up, basketball was one of my loves. I used to say Spalding was my first boyfriend, so naturally Wallace and I clicked right away in school. We used to sit in class and instead of paying attention, well we were arguing over who we thought was the GOAT for basketball. I of course was a Jordan fan and Wallace, couldn't stand him, and so we would go back and forth arguing between AI and Kobe (Wallace's picks) against Jordan (of course mine). We would pass our phones back and forth with videos of our favorite moves/plays trying to one up each and prove our point( I still think to this day I won). He likely is the sole reason I thankfully did not get 23 tattooed on my body for my 23rd birthday. 

I found looking back that he was one person I always looked for. He was one of my favorite people to meet up at the Rec to play ball with, favorite people to sit by in class, his smile, probably was one of the best too I have ever encountered. It truly was a gift he had to right away make someone feel welcome. 

Wallace was always a person that you could call when you needed help and he would literally help if he could. I will never forget the time I went for a ride on my bike. I literally left LSU in the middle of the day and just started riding. What the hell I was thinking, still to this day I don't know, but I found myself way out in the middle of nowhere good and was like crap what the heck do I do....I called Wallace and he literally was like what the hell Sarah, don't you know that is not a good part of the town. He dropped everything he was doing, left his parents house and drove straight to get me. Rode up in his super sweet Jeep he just got (I still missed the old red truck) and picked me up. Saving me from lord know what. That was just the type of person he was. 

I wish I could tell his parents in person, but I will do it here in hopes the message gets passed to them, you both did such an amazing job raising your son. He was for me, a true friend and he will be dearly missed by so many people.

Wallace, I will forever miss you and the next time I make it to the court, I will be playing thinking of you. 

Sarah

Autumn, I can't find the words to say other than thank you and Wallace for being a welcoming light during B-groups when my husband was deployed and I was pregnant with Lexi. I remember the prayers, the welcoming home, and the days at Bethany before we moved to our next duty station. I met Wallace in college at LSU and he was always such a kind spirit. Just know that no matter when or how long you need I am here for you and your babies. I'm here to listen, I'm here to pray, and I am here to be an impartial ear when or if you ever need one. Sending so much love and prayer your way. 

Liz