Dr. Gary Sheridan Wallace

Dr. Gary Sheridan Wallace, 66, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at St. George Regional Hospital after a courageous battle with ALS. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 22, 1958, to Annette and Gordon Wallace, Gary was the middle child of five siblings and grew up in a home filled with love, learning, and strong values instilled by his parents, both of whom were teachers.

Gary is survived by his beloved mother, Annette, and his four siblings: Sherri, Doug, Mike, and Steve. He is also survived by his devoted wife of over 40 years, Melanie Snow Wallace, and their five children: Christopher, Nicholas, Whitney, Jameson, and Abigail. His legacy continues through his two grandchildren, Everly and Jones, with a third grandchild on the way.

Gary spent his entire life in Arizona and built a strong foundation for his family in Gilbert, where he lived and worked for the past 29 years. After graduating from Coronado High School in 1976, he went on to earn his Associates degree at Mesa Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Arizona State University in December of 1982. In May 1991, he became the first in his family to earn a doctorate, graduating from the University of Arizona with a Doctor of Medicine degree—on the very same day his second child, Nicholas, was born.

Before embarking on his medical career, Gary married the love of his life, Melanie Snow Jones, on May 20, 1983. Between his undergraduate and medical school years, Gary worked as a 7th-grade science teacher and at McDonnell Douglas through the ASU Partner Project. In 1995, he joined Mesa Family Physicians, where he served his patients with warmth, compassion, and expert care until his early retirement in November of 2022. His dedication earned him the title of “Best General Practice Doctor” by the East Valley Tribune Newspaper from 2014 to 2016. He was cherished by his patients and colleagues alike.

Outside of his professional life, Gary was an avid outdoorsman, passionate about fishing, hunting, and enjoying good food. However, nothing in life meant more to him than his family. His love for his wife and children was always his highest priority. A deeply faithful man, Gary was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as bishop of the Towne Meadows Ward from 2016 to 2021.

Gary’s favorite scripture, Romans 8:38-39, reflects his unshakeable faith:
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Funeral services for Dr. Gary Sheridan Wallace will be held at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 4629 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234. For those who would like there will be a closed casket visitation an hour prior to the start of the service. All are welcome to attend to celebrate his life.

The Wallaces extend their profound gratitude to the many friends and loved ones who have supported, served, and sacrificed for him and his family. Even in his final moments Gary expressed his deep tender appreciation for the love and support that so many provided as he battled ALS these last few years. He and we will never be able to thank you enough. Also thanks to the staff at St. George Regional Hospital for the compassionate care they provided Gary in his final moments.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory can be made to the ALS Association.

ALS Association

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