Flinchum Sr., Wallace Henry

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Wallace Henry Flinchum, Sr., 66, of Draper, died Thursday April 19, 2007 and went to be with our Lord from his home. He was born June 2, 1940 in Pulaski County and was the beloved son of the late James Raymond Flinchum and Mamie Young Flinchum. Wally grew up near the Claytor Lake Dam.

He is survived by his two sisters, Vinie Mae Andrews and Mary Julia Harrell; and two brothers, James Branard Flinchum and Raymond Bentley Flinchum.

Baseball was his passion and he played for anyone that would let him swing a bat. As a local athlete, he became known for his speed and agility. He caught the eye of two Claytor Lake summer residents, Cis Weaver, a former professional pitcher and W. Broughton Johnston, a senator from West Virginia. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to Concord College in football and baseball. During his college career, he was honored as the All Time All Conference West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Athlete. Upon graduation, he returned home to teach and coach baseball, football and basketball at Christiansburg High School.

He was married to Sylvia Dean Ratcliffe and is survived by their two children, Wallace Henry Flinchum, Jr. and Pamela Dean Flinchum. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Brittney Faye Flinchum.

He was offered the Head Baseball Coach and teaching position for the new Pulaski County High School by his former coach Kenneth J. Dobson. During his coaching tenure he led the Cougars to five Roanoke Valley District Championships. He also helped many students and players find the way to obtain higher education. He was The Roanoke Valley District Coach of the year 1978, The Virginia Highlands Coach of the Year 1980, The Southwest Times Coach of the Year 1980-81.

In 1986 he changed career paths and started a State Farm Insurance Agency in Pulaski, Virginia and eventually relocated to Dublin, Virginia. During his twenty-one year career he was awarded numerous honors including Select Agent, Legion of Honor, Millionaire Club, Silver Award, Bronze Award and many other numerous service awards including recognition by the Red Cross for outstanding contributions in the Neighbor to Neighbor Program.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Maria Douthat Flinchum, his best friend of twenty-eight years. He is also survived by his three step-children, Mitzi Marie Smith, Donald Joseph Davis, Jr., Benjamin Alexander Davis, and five step-grandchildren.

Over the past 2 years it was not uncommon that he would share with anyone that would listen what God had done and was doing in his life. His Christian caring and concern inspired many, and his prayers touched the hearts of others. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, players, students and policyholders.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday April 23, 2007 at the Bob White Blvd. Church of God with the Rev. Jerry Collins, the Rev. Dale Akers, the Rev. Jim Walker, and the Rev. Byran Wyke officiating. Interment will follow in the Draper Cemetery.

Visiting will be anytime Sunday at Thomas M. Seagle & Sons after 12 Noon where the family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 554 Roanoke, Va. 24003-0554 or it would please Wally if you would donate hymnals to the church of your choice in Wally’s memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Arrangements have been made by Thomas M. Seagle & Sons, Pulaski.